Wildlife detection and deterrence system and method for environmental instrumentation

Abstract

Disclosed herein is a deterrent system for deterring animals from a vicinity of an environmental monitoring device, the system comprising: 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 environmental monitoring device; a deterrent processing system; and a repelling system, wherein the deterrent processing system monitors the presence signal, determines from the presence signal the presence of an object within the predetermined vicinity of the environmental monitoring device, and, in response to determining that the object is present, communicates a command to the repelling system to perform a sequence of one or more repelling event actions. and the repelling system is configured to execute one or more repelling events in response to receiving a command from the deterrence processing system. Also disclosed is a solar power plant using the deterrence system. A deterrence method for deterring animals from the vicinity of the environmental monitoring device is further disclosed. Furthermore, a self-cleaning system and method for cleaning the environmental monitoring device is disclosed.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention generally relates to an environmental monitoring device. From nearby The present invention relates to a system and method for deterring animals. [Background technology]

[0002] Remote automated sensing systems are increasingly being used for weather monitoring, cloud and sun sensing, wind monitoring, and security. Sky cameras, in particular, are becoming increasingly important for solar power plants. As with all systems installed outdoors, they need to be not only robust and resistant to the weather, but also to be immune to wildlife, especially birds. Summary of the Invention

[0003] According to the present disclosure, From nearby Deter animals (i.e., deter animals from approaching or remaining near the environmental monitoring device) A deterrence system for environmental monitoring devices is provided, the system comprising: 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 environmental monitoring device; a deterrence processing system; and a repelling system, the deterrence processing system configured to monitor the presence signal, determine from the presence signal the presence of an object within the predetermined vicinity of the environmental monitoring device, and, in response to determining that an object is present, communicate a command to the repelling system to perform a sequence of one or more repelling event actions, the repelling system configured to perform one or more repelling events in response to receiving the command from the deterrence processing system.

[0004] The environmental monitoring device may be mounted on a pole and / or may be configured to obtain sensor measurements of at least a portion of the sky, such as a sky camera or pyranometer.

[0005] Optionally, the detector system comprises one or more of a motion detector, a time-of-flight (TOF) camera, a microwave motion sensor, an ultrasonic sensor, a photoelectric sensor, a laser distance measurement sensor, and a capacitance sensor, and may be mounted remotely from the environment monitoring device with at least one sensor facing an optical device.

[0006] Optionally, the deterrent processing system is further configured to perform a first temporal check to determine whether the presence signal indicated the presence of the object for at least a first predetermined time, and the command is communicated only when the temporal check determines that the object was present for the predetermined time.

[0007] 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 into proximity of the optical device.

[0008] 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 execute the initial repelling event in response to determining that an object is present; perform a second temporal check to determine whether the presence signal indicates the presence of the object for at least a second predetermined time following the initial repelling event; and communicate a second command to the repelling system to execute the subsequent repelling event in response to determining that the object is still present after the second predetermined time. The initial repelling event may include one or both of a visual repelling action and an audio repelling action. The subsequent repelling event may include a physical repelling action.

[0009] The physical repelling action may include moving a cleaning arm of the self-cleaning system through a path that moves at least a portion of the cleaning arm within the vicinity of the environment monitoring device. Optionally, the self-cleaning system is according to the aspects described below.

[0010] In one embodiment, the distance identification system is further configured to determine a distance between the environment monitoring device and a detected object, and to communicate a command to the repelling system to only perform one or more repelling events in response to determining that the object is farther away than a predetermined minimum distance.

[0011] In one embodiment, the environment monitoring device includes an optical device. The environment monitoring device may have a sensing portion facing substantially upward.

[0012] The system may be configured to log and / or communicate with an external computer instances of one or more repelling event operations. Optionally, the system further includes a communications system configured to receive communications from an 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. Also, or alternatively, the system may further include a communications system configured to send communications to an external computer, the communications including monitoring communications.

[0013] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, From nearby A deterrence method for deterring animals is provided, the method comprising: 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 the presence of an object within the predetermined vicinity of the environmental monitoring device; and performing one or more repelling actions in response to receiving the command from the deterrence processing system.

[0014] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a self-cleaning system for cleaning an environmental monitoring device, the system comprising: a cleaning arm having one or more nozzles; a drive unit configured to move the cleaning arm about a path; a container fluidly connected to the nozzles; a pump; and a cleaning process module configured to control operation of the drive unit and the pump, the cleaning process module controlling the drive unit to move the cleaning arm about the path and to transfer a liquid from the container to the one or more nozzles such that the liquid exits the one or more nozzles. move of Generate and controlling the pump to pump the liquid through the passage and one or more nozzles such that the liquid contacts an active area of ​​the environmental monitor, thereby cleaning the environmental monitor.

[0015] Optionally, the environmental monitoring device is mounted to a columnar structure and / or configured to obtain sensor measurements of at least a portion of the sky, such as a sky camera or pyranometer. The cleaning arm and nozzle may be located proximate to the environmental monitoring device, and the container may be used proximate to the base of the structure.

[0016] Optionally, the cleaning process module is configured to control cleaning of the environment monitoring device periodically and / or according to a predetermined schedule.

[0017] The fluid connection may include elastic and / or inelastic tubing.

[0018] According to one embodiment, the environment monitoring device includes an optical device. The environment monitoring device may have a sensing portion facing substantially upwards.

[0019] In one embodiment, a self-cleaning system is provided, wherein the nozzle is one of a plurality of nozzles, the system further comprising a valve system having at least one valve for controlling the differential of the plurality of nozzles, and the cleaning processing module is further configured to control the pump and valve to cause the transfer of liquid from the container to one or more selected nozzles so that the liquid exits the selected nozzle to contact a portion of the active area of ​​the environmental monitoring device, and thereafter to cause the transfer of liquid to another selected one or more of the plurality of nozzles so that the liquid contacts another portion of the active area.

[0020] The cleaning treatment module Movement A series of nozzle discharges can be arranged to be performed such that the individual nozzles are directed in succession, thereby contacting substantially the entire active area.

[0021] The cleaning arm is one of a plurality of cleaning arms and / or the sensing portion is one of a plurality of sensing portions.

[0022] In one embodiment, a self-cleaning system is provided, further comprising a communication system configured to communicate between an external computer and the self-cleaning system, the self-cleaning system being 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.

[0023] The system may further be configured to log and / or communicate the cleaning progress of the environmental monitoring device and / or the water level of the vessel to an external computer.

[0024] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a self-cleaning method for cleaning an environmental monitoring device, the method comprising: moving a cleaning arm having a nozzle along a path; and as the cleaning arm moves along the path, drawing liquid from a container into the nozzle, thereby causing the liquid to exit the nozzle, the path and nozzle being configured such that the liquid contacts an active area of ​​the environmental monitoring device, thereby cleaning the optical device.

[0025] In one embodiment, a self-cleaning method is provided, the method further comprising providing at least one cleaning arm having a plurality of nozzles; and controlling at least one valve to sequentially direct the pumped liquid from the container to one or more selected nozzles, the valves, nozzles, and / or pathways configured such that the liquid exits each nozzle in succession in a series of nozzle discharges and substantially contacts the active area, thereby cleaning the optical device with maximum water pressure from each nozzle.

[0026] Optionally, the pump, passage and / or nozzle may be configured to cause the liquid to exit the nozzle at low pressure substantially onto the active area, thereby soaking the active area prior to cleaning the optical device.

[0027] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, From nearby A deterrence system for deterring animals is provided, the system having at least one sensor configured to detect the presence of an object within a predetermined vicinity of the environmental monitoring device, a deterrence processing system, and a repelling system for performing one or more repelling actions to repel the object, the deterrence processing system 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.

[0028] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, From nearby A deterrence method for deterring animals is provided, the method comprising: determining the presence of an object within the predetermined vicinity of the environmental monitoring device; and performing one or more repelling actions in response to determining the presence of the object.

[0029] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a solar power plant having one or more suppression systems according to the above aspects.

[0030] As used herein, the terms "comprise" or variations such as "comprises" and "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.

[0031] In order that the invention may be more clearly understood, embodiments will now be described, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0032] [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 implemented 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. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0033] 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.

[0034] 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.

[0035] 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.

[0036] 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.

[0037] 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.

[0038] 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.

[0039] 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.

[0040] 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.

[0041] 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.

[0042] 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.

[0043] 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.

[0044] In step S100, the deterrent processing module 13 monitors the presence signal received from the detector system 11.

[0045] 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.

[0046] 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.

[0047] 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.

[0048] 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.

[0049] 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.

[0050] 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.

[0051] For example, it is expected that animals, particularly flying animals such as birds, will typically 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).

[0052] 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.

[0053] 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.

[0054] 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.

[0055] According to one embodiment, a self-cleaning system is provided that is configured to perform cleaning operations to remove interference from the environment monitoring system 20. For example, such interference may include dirt and dust. Referring to FIG. 4 , the self-cleaning system 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 container 43. A pump 44 is provided to move the liquid to the nozzle 42, for example, via a conduit 45.

[0056] 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 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 container 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.

[0057] 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.

[0058] 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.

[0059] 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.

[0060] 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.

[0061] 2, the container 43 can be located at or near the base of the column 22, and a conduit, which can include resilient and / or inelastic tubing, can extend over the column 22 to connect the container 43 to the nozzle 44. Having the container 43 at the base of the column 22 can provide easier access for refilling and reduce the weight load on the column 22. The pump 44 can be located near the container 43.

[0062] The self-cleaning system 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.

[0063] According to one embodiment, the self-cleaning system may also be utilized for repelling operations. For example, the cleaning arm 40 may be movable along a path over the environmental monitoring apparatus 20. This movement may motivate animals moving near the environmental monitoring apparatus 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 bringing the cleaning arm 40 and nozzle 43 into physical contact with the animals or moving the animals away from landing on the environmental monitoring apparatus 20. This repelling operation may be considered a physical repelling operation because it physically impedes the ability of the animals to reach or remain on the environmental monitoring apparatus 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.

[0064] 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.

[0065] Therefore, optionally, the self-cleaning system 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 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, nozzles 42 are used for soaking only for a short time.

[0066] 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.

[0067] 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.

[0068] 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 by wireless or wired data communication selected from, for example, mobile broadband options such as 4G or 5G, wired Ethernet or DSL, or other wireless technologies such as LoRa® Low Power Wide Area Network (LPWAN) or alternative LPWANs such as SIGFOX® LPWAN or Ingenu® Random Phase Multiple Access (RPMA) LPWAN, and WiFi (particularly directional WiFi).

[0069] 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.

[0070] In step S200, the deterrent processing module 13 monitors the presence signal received from the detector system 11.

[0071] 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.

[0072] 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.

[0073] 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.

[0074] 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.

[0075] If no animal is detected as present, the method returns to step S200.

[0076] 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.

[0077] 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.

[0078] 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.

[0079] Other physical repelling actions are contemplated depending on the embodiment. For example, in embodiments that do not include a self-cleaning system, a movable arm may be provided that is similar in operation to cleaning arm 40, except that it does not include nozzle 42, reservoir 43, pump 44, or conduit 45.

[0080] 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.

[0081] The deterrent system 10 can be utilized within a solar power plant. The solar power plant may be equipped with one or more environmental monitoring devices 20 configured to assist with 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.

[0082] 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).

[0083] System 10 may also include a communications system (not shown) configured to communicate between an external computer (if remotely located) and system 10, i.e., the self-cleaning or deterrence system. Specifically, the self-cleaning or deterrence system 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 the self-cleaning system. 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.

[0084] The communication system may also permit communication and monitoring by an external computer of various events that may be logged by system 10, such as detection of animal presence, water level in container 43, 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 communication.

[0085] Further modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present specification. For example, system 10 may be configured to consider the relative distance of the animal to environment monitoring device 20 when selecting between 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 of the animal as well as the 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 event when the animal is still some distance away from environment monitoring device 20 and a physical repelling event when the animal is approaching environment monitoring device 20.

Claims

1. 1. A deterrent system for deterring animals from approaching or remaining in the vicinity of an environmental monitoring device, comprising: (a) 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; (b) a deterrent processing system; (c) a repelling system; (d) a self-cleaning system for cleaning the environmental monitoring device, the self-cleaning system having a cleaning arm provided with one or more nozzles; (A) the deterrent processing system, monitoring the presence signal; determining the presence of an object within the predetermined vicinity of the environment monitoring device from the presence signal; In response to determining that the object is present, communicating a command to the repulsion system to perform a sequence of one or more repulsion event actions. It is configured as follows: the repulsion system is configured to execute one or more repulsion events in response to receiving the command from the deterrence processing system; (b) the self-cleaning system includes: (a) the cleaning arm provided with the one or more nozzles; (b) a drive unit configured to move the cleaning arm about a path; (c) a vessel in fluid communication with the one or more nozzles; (d) a pump; (e) a cleaning process module configured to control operation of the drive unit and the pump; (c) the cleaning processing module, controlling the drive unit to move the cleaning arm around the path; controlling the pump to cause movement of the liquid from the container to the one or more nozzles such that the liquid exits the one or more nozzles; It is structured as follows: the channel and the one or more nozzles are configured to allow the liquid to contact an active area of ​​the environmental monitoring device, thereby cleaning the environmental monitoring device; (d) the sequence includes one repelling event, and the one repelling event includes (i) at least one non-physical repelling action performed without physical contact with the object, and (ii) at least one physical repelling action that physically prevents the object from reaching or remaining on the environment monitoring device; (e) the physical repelling action includes moving the cleaning arm of a self-cleaning system through the path that causes at least a portion of the cleaning arm to move within the vicinity of the active area of ​​the environmental monitoring device; and (f) during the physical repelling action, the pump of the self-cleaning system does not operate and the liquid does not exit the one or more nozzles of the cleaning arm of the self-cleaning system. A deterrence system characterized by:

2. The deterrent system of claim 1 , wherein the environmental monitoring device is mounted on a pole and / or configured to obtain sensor measurements of at least a portion of the sky, such as a sky camera or a pyranometer.

3. 3. The deterrent system of claim 1 or 2, wherein the detector system comprises one or more of a motion detector, a time-of-flight (ToF) camera, a microwave motion sensor, an ultrasonic sensor, a photoelectric sensor, a laser distance measurement sensor, and a capacitance sensor.

4. 4. A deterrent system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the detector system is mounted remotely from the environment monitoring device with at least one sensor facing an optical device.

5. the deterrent processing system is further configured to perform a first temporal check to determine whether the presence signal indicated the presence of the object for at least a first predetermined time; 5. A deterrent system as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the command is communicated only when the first temporal check determines that the object has been present for the predetermined time.

6. The deterrent system of claim 1 , wherein the at least one non-physical repelling action is selected from a visual repelling action and an audio repelling action.

7. 6. A deterrent system according to claim 1, wherein the sequence includes at least an initial repelling event and a subsequent repelling event.

8. The deterrent processing system further comprises: In response to determining that an object is present, communicating a first command to the repulsion system to execute the first repulsion event; performing a second temporal check to determine whether the presence signal indicated the presence of the object for at least a second predetermined time following the initial repel event; and communicating a second command to the repulsion system to execute the subsequent repulsion event in response to determining that the object is still present after the second predetermined time.

8. The deterrent system of claim 7, wherein the deterrent system is configured as follows:

9. The deterrent system of claim 8 , wherein the initial repelling event includes one or both of a visual repelling action and an audible repelling action.

10. 10. A deterrent system according to claim 8 or 9, wherein the subsequent repelling event comprises a physical repelling action.

11. 11. A deterrent system according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the environment monitoring device is provided with an optical device.

12. 12. A deterrent system according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the environment monitoring device is provided with a sensing portion facing substantially upwards.

13. The deterrent system further comprises: Log and communicating one or more repel event action instances with an external computer; 13. A deterrent system according to any one of claims 1 to 12, configured as follows:

14. the deterrent system is equipped with a distance discrimination system; The distance identification system further comprises: determining a distance between the environment monitoring device and a detected object; and communicating a command to the repulsion system to perform only one or more repulsion events in response to determining that the object is farther than a predetermined minimum distance.

14. A deterrent system according to any one of claims 1 to 13, configured so that

15. the deterrence system further comprising a communication system configured to receive communications from an external computer; 15. The deterrence system of claim 1, wherein the communication includes commands from the external computer via the communication system to remotely control the deterrence processing system, the environmental monitoring device, and / or the repelling system.

16. the deterrence system further comprising a communication system configured to send a communication to an external computer; 16. A deterrence system according to any preceding claim, wherein the communications include monitoring communications relating to monitoring of the one or more repel events.

17. 1. A deterrent method for deterring animals from approaching or remaining near an environmental monitoring device, comprising: (a) moving a cleaning arm of the self-cleaning system of the environment monitoring device, the cleaning arm having a nozzle, along a path by a drive unit configured to move the cleaning arm; (b) drawing liquid from a container into the nozzle as the cleaning arm moves along the path, thereby forcing the liquid out of the nozzle; (c) a detector system of the environmental monitoring device generating a presence signal indicative of the presence of an object within a predetermined vicinity of the environmental monitoring device; (d) a deterrent processing system of the environmental monitoring device monitoring the presence signal; and (e) the deterrent processing system of the environmental monitoring device determining from the presence signal the presence of an object within the predetermined vicinity of the environmental monitoring device; (f) a repelling system of the environmental monitoring device performs one or more sequences of repelling actions in response to receiving a command communicated from the deterrence processing system in response to the deterrence processing system determining that the object is present; Including, (a) the channel and nozzle are configured so that the liquid contacts an active area of ​​the environmental monitoring device, thereby cleaning the environmental monitoring device; (b) the sequence includes one repelling event, and the one repelling event includes (i) at least one non-physical repelling action performed without physical contact with the object, and (ii) at least one physical repelling action that physically prevents the object from reaching or remaining on the environment monitoring device; (c) the physical repelling action includes moving the cleaning arm of the self-cleaning system through a path that causes at least a portion of the cleaning arm to move within the vicinity of the active area of ​​the environmental monitoring device; and (d) In the physical repelling action, the pump of the self-cleaning system does not operate, and the liquid does not exit the nozzle of the cleaning arm of the self-cleaning system. A method of suppressing

18. (a) a cleaning arm having one or more nozzles; (b) a drive unit configured to move the cleaning arm about a path; (c) a vessel in fluid communication with the one or more nozzles; (d) a pump; (e) a cleaning process module configured to control operation of the drive unit and the pump; (f) a deterrent system for deterring animals from approaching or remaining in a vicinity of the environmental monitoring device, the deterrent system having: (i) 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 environmental monitoring device; (ii) a deterrent processing system; and (iii) a repelling system. Equipped with 1. A self-cleaning system for cleaning an environmental monitoring device, comprising: (a) the cleaning processing module, controlling the drive unit to move the cleaning arm around the path; controlling the pump to cause movement of the liquid from the container to the one or more nozzles such that the liquid exits the one or more nozzles; It is configured as follows: the channel and the one or more nozzles are configured to allow the liquid to contact an active area of ​​the environmental monitoring device, thereby cleaning the environmental monitoring device; (b) the deterrence processing system is configured to: (i) monitor the presence signal; (ii) determine from the presence signal the presence of an object within the predetermined vicinity of the environment monitoring device; and (iii) communicate a command to the deterrence system to perform a sequence of one or more deterrence event actions in response to determining that the object is present; (c) the sequence includes one repelling event, and the one repelling event includes (i) at least one non-physical repelling action performed without physical contact with the object, and (ii) at least one physical repelling action that physically prevents the object from reaching or remaining on the environment monitoring device; (d) the physical repelling action includes moving the cleaning arm of a self-cleaning system through a path that causes at least a portion of the cleaning arm to move within the vicinity of the active area of ​​the environmental monitoring device; and (e) During the physical repelling action, the pump of the self-cleaning system does not operate and the liquid does not exit the one or more nozzles of the cleaning arm of the self-cleaning system. A self-cleaning system.

19. 20. The self-cleaning system of claim 18, wherein the environmental monitoring device is mounted to a columnar structure and / or configured to obtain sensor measurements of at least a portion of the sky, such as a sky camera or pyranometer.

20. the cleaning arm and nozzle are located proximate to the environmental monitoring device; and 20. The self-cleaning system of claim 19, wherein the container is used adjacent to the base of the structure.

21. 21. The self-cleaning system of any one of claims 18 to 20, wherein the cleaning process module is configured to control cleaning of the environment monitoring device periodically and / or according to a predetermined schedule.

22. 22. The self-cleaning system of any one of claims 18 to 21, wherein the fluid connection comprises elastic and / or inelastic tubing.

23. 23. A self-cleaning system according to any one of claims 18 to 22, wherein the environment monitoring device is provided with an optical device.

24. 24. A self-cleaning system according to any one of claims 18 to 23, wherein the environment monitoring device is provided with a sensing portion facing substantially upwards.

25. the nozzle is one of a plurality of nozzles; the self-cleaning system further includes a valve system having at least one valve for controlling differential movement of the plurality of nozzles; The cleaning process module further comprises:

25. The self-cleaning system of any one of claims 18 to 24, configured to control the pump and the valve to cause movement of liquid from the container to one or more selected nozzles such that the liquid exits the selected nozzles to contact a portion of the active area of ​​the environmental monitoring device, and then to cause further movement of liquid to another selected one or more of the plurality of nozzles such that the liquid contacts another portion of the active area.

26. 26. The self-cleaning system of claim 25, wherein the cleaning process module is configured to control the pump and the valve to generate the liquid movement such that the liquid movement is directed to individual nozzles in succession, thereby performing a series of nozzle discharges such that substantially the entire active area is contacted.

27. 27. The self-cleaning system of claim 25 or 26, wherein the cleaning arm is one of a plurality of cleaning arms and / or the sensor is one of a plurality of sensors.

28. 28. A self-cleaning system according to any one of claims 25 to 27, wherein the or each of the cleaning arms has multiple nozzles or heads for cleaning multiple sensors.

29. the self-cleaning system further comprising a communication system configured to communicate between an external computer and the self-cleaning system; 29. The self-cleaning system of any one of claims 25 to 28, wherein the self-cleaning system is further configured to receive commands from and / or communicate monitoring information to the external computer via the communication system to remotely control a cleaning treatment system, the environmental monitoring device, and / or the self-cleaning system.

30. 30. The self-cleaning system of any one of claims 25 to 29, wherein the self-cleaning system is further configured to record a log and / or communicate the cleaning progress of the environmental monitoring device and / or the water level of the container to an external computer.

31. 1. A self-cleaning method for cleaning an environmental monitoring device, comprising: (a) moving a cleaning arm having a nozzle along a path by a drive unit configured to move the cleaning arm; (b) a pump pumping liquid from a container into the nozzle as the cleaning arm moves along the path, thereby forcing the liquid out of the nozzle; (c) the deterrent system of the environmental monitoring device deters animals from approaching or remaining in the vicinity of the environmental monitoring device; Including, (i) the channel and the nozzle are configured so that the liquid contacts an active area of ​​the environment monitoring device, thereby cleaning the optical device; (b) the deterrence system comprises: (i) 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; (ii) a deterrence processing system; and (iii) a repelling system; (c) the deterrence processing system is configured to: (i) monitor the presence signal; (ii) determine from the presence signal the presence of an object within the predetermined vicinity of the environmental monitoring device; and (iii) communicate a command to the deterrence system to perform a sequence of one or more deterrence event actions in response to determining that the object is present; (d) the repulsion system is configured to execute a sequence of one or more repulsion events in response to receiving the command from the deterrence processing system; (e) the sequence includes one repelling event, and the one repelling event includes (i) at least one non-physical repelling action performed without physical contact with the object, and (ii) at least one physical repelling action that physically prevents the object from reaching or remaining on the environment monitoring device; (f) the physical repelling action includes moving the cleaning arm of a self-cleaning system through a path that causes at least a portion of the cleaning arm to move within the vicinity of the active area of ​​the environmental monitoring device; and (g) In the physical repelling action, the pump of the self-cleaning system does not operate, and the liquid does not exit the nozzle of the cleaning arm of the self-cleaning system. A self-cleaning method comprising:

32. The self-cleaning method for cleaning the environment monitoring device further comprises: providing at least one cleaning arm having a plurality of nozzles; a cleaning process module controlling at least one valve to sequentially direct the pumped liquid from the container to one or more selected nozzles from the plurality of nozzles; and 32. The self-cleaning method of claim 31, wherein the valves, nozzles, and / or pathways are configured such that the liquid exits each nozzle in succession in a series of nozzle discharges and substantially contacts the active area, thereby cleaning the optical device with maximum water pressure from each nozzle.

33. 33. A self-cleaning method according to claim 31 or 32, wherein the pump, the passage and / or the nozzle are configured to cause the liquid to exit the nozzle at low pressure substantially onto the active area, thereby soaking the active area prior to cleaning the optical device.

34. 17. A deterrent system as claimed in claim 16, wherein the self-cleaning system is a self-cleaning system as claimed in any one of claims 18 to 30.

35. 1. A deterrent system for deterring animals from approaching or remaining in the vicinity of an environmental monitoring device, comprising: (a) at least one sensor configured to detect the presence of an object within a predetermined vicinity of the environment monitoring device; (b) a deterrent processing system; (c) a self-cleaning system for cleaning the environmental monitoring device, the self-cleaning system having a cleaning arm provided with one or more nozzles; (d) a repelling system for performing one or more repelling actions to repel the object; and (i) the deterrence processing system determines the presence of an object within the predetermined vicinity of the environmental monitoring device, and in response to determining that the object is present, controls the deterrence system to execute a sequence of one or more deterrence event actions. It is configured as follows: (b) the self-cleaning system includes: (a) the cleaning arm provided with the one or more nozzles; (b) a drive unit configured to move the cleaning arm about a path; (c) a vessel in fluid communication with the one or more nozzles; (d) a pump; (e) a cleaning process module configured to control operation of the drive unit and the pump; (c) the cleaning processing module, controlling the drive unit to move the cleaning arm around the path; controlling the pump to cause movement of the liquid from the container to the one or more nozzles such that the liquid exits the one or more nozzles; It is structured as follows: the channel and the one or more nozzles are configured to allow the liquid to contact an active area of ​​the environmental monitoring device, thereby cleaning the environmental monitoring device; (d) the sequence includes one repelling event, and the one repelling event includes (i) at least one non-physical repelling action performed without physical contact with the object, and (ii) at least one physical repelling action that physically prevents the object from reaching or remaining on the environment monitoring device; (e) the physical repelling action includes moving the cleaning arm of the self-cleaning system through a path that causes at least a portion of the cleaning arm to move within the vicinity of the active area of ​​the environment monitoring device; and (f) during the physical repelling action, the pump of the self-cleaning system does not operate and the liquid does not exit the one or more nozzles of the cleaning arm of the self-cleaning system. A deterrence system comprising:

36. 1. A deterrent method for deterring animals from approaching or remaining near an environmental monitoring device, comprising: (a) a deterrent processing system of the environmental monitoring device determining the presence of an object within a predetermined vicinity of the environmental monitoring device; (b) a repelling system of the environmental monitoring device performs one or more sequences of repelling actions in response to the deterrence processing system of the environmental monitoring device determining the presence of the object; Including, (i) the deterrence 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 the presence of the object, communicate a command to the repelling system to execute the sequence of one or more repel event actions; (b) the sequence includes one repelling event, and the one repelling event includes (i) at least one non-physical repelling action performed without physical contact with the object, and (ii) at least one physical repelling action that physically prevents the object from reaching or remaining on the environment monitoring device; and (c) the physical repelling action includes moving the cleaning arm of a self-cleaning system through a path that causes at least a portion of the cleaning arm to move within the vicinity of an active area of ​​the environment monitoring device; (d) The self-cleaning system includes: (a) the cleaning arm provided with one or more nozzles; (b) a drive unit configured to move the cleaning arm about a path; (c) a vessel in fluid communication with the one or more nozzles; (d) a pump; (e) a cleaning process module configured to control operation of the drive unit and the pump; and (e) During the physical repelling action, the pump of the self-cleaning system does not operate and liquid does not exit the one or more nozzles of the cleaning arm of the self-cleaning system. A method of suppressing

37. 1. A solar power plant having one or more deterrent systems for deterring animals from approaching or remaining in the vicinity of an environmental monitoring device, the solar power plant is provided with an upward-facing camera configured to photograph the sky; and 36. A photovoltaic power plant, characterized in that each inhibiting system is an inhibiting system according to any one of claims 1 to 15, claim 34 or claim 35.

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