AUTONOMOUS CLEANING SYSTEM FOR SOLAR PANELS

Abstract

The invention relates to an autonomous cleaning system that can be integrated as a frame into existing panels in solar power plants and facilities using solar panels, detects the contamination on the panel surface via mini panels (8) with covers and a control unit (11), cleans the panel surface safely without the need for human intervention by means of a brush (4) that is moved by means of ropes (2) together with water flowing from the water supply (7) when the contamination exceeds the determined value; it can operate in autonomous mode as well as in scheduled and manual modes with a timing relay (12) and user command, and sends a notification to the relevant person's mobile application via a communication module (13) when contamination is detected.System pollution is determined by evaluating the measurements of the reference mini panel kept clean and the contaminated mini panel (8) together with the data from the temperature sensor (14) and the radiation sensor (15) and normalizing the pollution score; it works in a modular structure where the zones, each managed by a control unit (11) in large plants, are managed through a single central control unit (16) and increases the energy production efficiency of the solar panels.

Description

1 TARIFF AUTONOMOUS CLEANING SYSTEM FOR SOLAR PANELS Technical Area The invention relates to panels used in solar power plants and facilities where solar panels are used. Detection of surface contamination and human intervention on the panels 5 It is related to autonomous cleaning without any manual intervention. Specifically, the invention is a panel that can be integrated as a frame into existing solar panels. Surface contamination is detected via mini panels with covers and a control unit. when the pollution level exceeds the specified value, the water is released from the plumbing system. With its brush, which is moved with the help of ropes, it safely cleans the panel surface. 10 an autonomous system that cleans and thus increases the efficiency of solar panels. It is related to the cleaning system. State of the Art Because solar panels are positioned in open areas and usually over large sites, Over time, dust, sand, bird droppings, pollen and similar contaminants accumulate on their surfaces. 15 It accumulates. This contamination accumulating on the panel surface prevents sunlight from penetrating the cells. By preventing access to the energy, it reduces the panel's energy production efficiency. In current practices, cleaning solar panels is mostly done manually, by hand. This method is both laborious and time-consuming, and especially 20 for occupational safety on panels located at heights or in large areas. This poses a risk and can damage the panel surface. Current technology also includes cleaning robots that move across the panel surface. It is used. However, these robots are placed on the panel by a person. placement and mostly manual transfer from one panel row to another. This is necessary; this situation fully reduces the need for manpower and the risk to occupational safety. It does not eliminate the panel as a result. Furthermore, these types of robots, with their weight, can damage the panel. because it rests on the surface and applies pressure to the surface, the glass surface and This can lead to damage to solar cells and the formation of microcracks. In addition, since stationary water spray systems operate solely with water. 2 These systems are unable to adequately remove sticky and dried-on dirt. Some of them are time-controlled because they cannot detect when the panel gets dirty. They are operating blindly, which leads to unnecessary water and energy consumption. Most pollution detection systems are retrofitted to existing panels. It cannot be integrated as a framework. 5 In conclusion, the existence of the above problems and the inadequacy of current solutions, This has made it necessary to make an improvement in the relevant technical field. Purpose of the Invention The present invention eliminates the aforementioned disadvantages and the related technical 10 with autonomous cleaning system for solar panels, which brings new advantages to the area. It is related. The main purpose of the invention is to remove pollution from the surface of solar panels using mini panels with covers and a detects via a control unit and without the need for human intervention. The goal is to create an autonomously operating cleaning system. Another aim of the invention is to integrate 15 as a frame into existing solar panels. a cleaning system that can be performed and thus applied later is created to place. Another purpose of the invention is to avoid wasting water by not operating until pollution is detected. The goal is to create a cleaning system that prevents energy consumption. Another purpose of the invention is to move the brush and water pipes with the help of ropes. 20 thanks to which it provides safe cleaning without damaging the panel surface. The goal is to develop a cleaning system. Another purpose of the invention is to keep the panels constantly clean, thereby protecting the solar energy. They developed a cleaning system that increases the energy production efficiency of the panels. to put. 25 Another aim of the invention is to enable autonomous operation as well as operation dependent on user preference. manual cleaning and scheduled cleaning options such as weekly or monthly are also available. by offering a flexible solution that adapts to different field conditions and user preferences. The goal is to develop a cleaning system. 3 Another aim of the invention is to create a modular rail system where components can be added together. Thanks to its multi-part structure, it can be easily extended as the number of panels increases, allowing for different configurations. adaptable to large-scale sites and easy to manufacture and assemble. The goal is to develop a cleaning system. Another purpose of the invention is to send a mobile application to the relevant person when pollution is detected. It offers remote monitoring and management capabilities by sending notifications through it. The goal is to develop a cleaning system. Another purpose of the invention is to measure panel electrical measurements along with panel temperature and solar radiation. normalized by considering environmental parameters such as radiation. a more reliable pollution detection based on a pollution score; thus environmental 10 distinguishing between changes caused by conditions and actual surface pollution. The goal is to develop a cleaning system that works. Another aim of the invention is to bring large solar power plants to independent regions. by separating and cleaning only the areas that exceed the pollution threshold; a number of regional control units into a single central control unit and a single central 15 Managed via cellular connection, with a separate SIM card and modem for each region. The goal is to create a modular cleaning system that eliminates the need for manual labor. Another purpose of the invention is to overcome pollution thresholds or initiate cleanup processes. by taking pictures of the incidents and visually confirming the pollution, after the cleanup. by re-measuring and reporting the effectiveness of cleaning, and electronic malfunction 20 in this case, it is possible to operate the cleaning mechanism manually. The goal is to develop a cleaning system that provides this. To fulfill all the purposes stated above and those that can be derived from the detailed explanation. The invention aims to bring about a system that autonomously cleans the surface of solar panels. a cleaning system, 25 - integrated as a frame for the solar panel and other parts of the system panel bed that carries the elements, - connected to two opposite edges of the panel bed and controlling the movement of the brush. guiding rail system, - brush with ends that sit on the rail system and clean the panel surface, 30 4 - connected to the brush and the brush moving back and forth on the rail system the rope that enables it, - the motor that moves the rope, - limit switch that determines the movement limits of the brush on the rail system, - a water system that sprays water onto the panel surface, 5 - mini panel that detects contamination on the panel surface, - mini panel that protects the mini panel and regulates exposure conditions. cover, - Mini panel washer that keeps the mini panel clean, - 10 that determine pollution levels by comparing the outputs of mini panels. Accordingly, the user gives the order to flush the engine and water system. The control unit offers manual operation capability with the command, - the system automatically runs at specified intervals, such as weekly or monthly. Timing relay that enables this, - Notification to the relevant person's mobile application when pollution is detected 15 This is related to the fact that it includes a sender communication module. The structural and characteristic features and all the advantages of the invention are given below. a detailed explanation written with figures and references to these figures This will make it clearer. Therefore, the evaluation should also be based on this. This should be done taking into account the figures and detailed explanations. 20 Figures that will help understand the invention. Figure 1: General view of the cleaning system that is the subject of the invention. Figure 2: Top view of the cleaning system that is the subject of the invention. Figure 3: Side view of the cleaning system that is the subject of the invention. Figure 4: Side view of the movement mechanism of the cleaning system that is the subject of the invention. It is the appearance. Figure 5: Movement mechanism and motor of the cleaning system subject to the invention. This is a detail view (A). Figure 6: Cross-section and detail of the rail system of the cleaning system that is the subject of the invention. This is the view (B and C). 30 Figure 7: Detail of the rail connection of the cleaning system that is the subject of the invention. It is the appearance (I). Figure 8: Detailed view of the brush of the cleaning system that is the subject of the invention (D). Figure 9: Detailed view of the limit switch of the cleaning system that is the subject of the invention (E). Figure 10: Detailed view of the water piping of the cleaning system that is the subject of the invention. 5 (F). Figure 11: Detail of the contamination detection system of the cleaning system that is the subject of the invention. It is the appearance (G). Explanation of Part References 1. Panel bed 10 2. Rope / Steel wire strap 3. Rail system 4. Brush 5. Engine 6. Limit switch 15 7. Plumbing 8. Mini panel 9. Mini panel cover 10. Mini panel washer 11. Control unit (regional control unit) 20 12. Timing relay 13. Communication module 14. Temperature sensor 15. Radiation sensor 16. Central control unit 25 17. Display unit (camera) 18. Manual bypass switch Detailed Description of the Invention 6 This detailed description explains the preferred cleaning system of the invention. The alternatives are presented solely for the purpose of better understanding the subject and in no way. It is explained in a way that will not create a limiting effect. Figure 1 shows the general view of the cleaning system that is the subject of the invention. According to the cleaning system, in its most basic form; 5 integrated as a frame to the solar panel. a panel bed (1) connected to two opposite sides of the panel bed (1) rail system (3), brush (4) whose ends sit on the rail system (3), to the brush (4) the connected rope (2), the motor (5) that moves the rope (2), the movement of the brush (4) limit switch (6) which determines its limits, water system (7) which sprays water onto the panel surface, mini panel (8) which detects contamination on the panel surface, mini panel (8) which protects the mini panel (8) panel cover (9), mini panel washer (10) that keeps the mini panel (8) clean and with fixing It includes a control unit (11) that manages the cleaning processes. The panel bed (1), which forms the main support structure of the cleaning system subject to the invention, It is integrated into the solar panel as a frame. This allows the system to... 15 additional solar panels can be added to the solar panels currently in use. It can be applied. The panel bed (1) and the fixed elements on it are connected to each other. The components are welded together, while the movable and detachable elements are secured with screws and nuts. It is connected through this means. The rail system (3) is connected to two opposite sides of the panel bed (1). The subject is the rail system (3), the brush (4) linear and balanced along the panel surface 20 It enables the brush (4) to move. The ends of the brush are on the rail system (3). It is located. The rail system (3) consists of modular parts, preferably three meters long. It is formed by joining these parts end-to-end using connecting elements. The railway track can be extended to the desired length. The railway track is shown in Figure 7. In the combination (I), the rail sections placed side by side have bolt holes on them 25 They are fastened together by means of a connecting plate and screws. In this way... In large areas where the number of panels increases, the system can be modified by adding additional rail sections. This allows for easy scaling; production and assembly are simplified. Two ropes (2) are connected to the brush (4) opposite each other. The ropes (2) are connected to the panel It is moved by the motor (5) located on the bed (1). The motor has a capacity of 30 (5) By working, the ropes (2) are wound and the brush (4) is moved forward on the rail system (3) 7 by moving it back and forth, so that the brush (4) sweeps across the panel surface. It cleans. This transmission element (2) that enables the movement of the brush (4), Depending on the application, it can be in the form of a rope or a steel wire reinforced belt (steel It can be produced in the form of a wire belt. In both applications, the element (2), It performs the same function by transferring the motion it receives from the motor (5) to the brush (4), and this 5 The situation presents the system with two different production options. Two limit switches (6) are placed opposite each other at the movement limits of the brush (4). Limit switches (6) are positioned at the endpoints of the brush (4) movement. Upon detecting that it has arrived, the control unit (11) and the motor (5) are ordered to stop and turn. It provides information about the change. In this way, the brush (4) is outside the rail system (3) 10 Their escape is prevented and safe movement is ensured. Water pipes (7) run along the upper edge of the panel bed (1). Water pipes (7) It has nozzles that spray water onto the panel surface. The water system (7) is a to the water source; preferably the facility's mains water supply or a reservoir integrated into the system and It is connected to the pump unit. When the washing order is given, water flows from the water supply (7) 15 The water that is discharged is distributed onto the panel surface via nozzles and together with the brush (4) It works by removing surface contaminants. Mini panels (8) that detect contamination on the panel surface are placed on the panel bed (1) They are connected. Mini panels (8) are exposed to the same conditions as the main solar panels. The remaining small-scale reference panels are one of the mini panels (8), mini panel 20 one creates the reference value by being kept clean by means of the washer (10); the other is They are left to get dirty like the main panels. On each mini panel (8), mini panel (8) protects against external factors and mechanical damage and measures a mini panel cover that regulates the exposure status of the mini panel during use (9) is located. 25 The reference mini panel kept clean and the mini panel left to get dirty (8) The electrical values ​​it produces are transmitted to the control unit (11). The control unit (11) comparing the outputs of two mini panels (8) to detect contamination on the main panel surface It determines the pollution level. When the pollution level exceeds the determined value, control is activated. unit (11); to discharge water into the water system (7) and to move the brush (4) to the motor (5) 30 By giving the command, the washing process is started. Mini panel washer (10), reference 8 Keeping the mini panel clean ensures accurate comparison. It provides. The cleaning system that is the subject of the invention can operate in different ways thanks to the control unit (11). It can operate in various modes. In autonomous mode, the control unit (11) mini When it detects pollution according to the data it receives from the panels (8), it starts the washing process 5 It starts. In timed mode, via the timing relay (12) connected to the system; Automatically at user-defined intervals, such as weekly or monthly. Washing is performed as follows. In manual mode, the user controls the control unit (11) With the command it gives, the system can start the washing process whenever it wants. In this way, the system It adapts to different field conditions and user preferences. 10 In addition, the control unit (11) sends the communication connected to it when it detects pollution. through module (13) a mobile application on the relevant person’s mobile device It sends a notification. This notification informs the user that pollution has been detected and Information is conveyed suggesting washing. This allows the user to monitor the system remotely. can do this and, if desired, can give the manual washing command via the mobile application. It is able to provide. In order to increase the accuracy of pollution detection in the system described in the invention, mini Electrical measurements of the panels (8) are not taken alone; on the panel bed (1) The panel is measured by a temperature sensor (14) and a radiation sensor (15) placed on it. It is evaluated together with temperature and solar radiation data. Control 20 unit (11), reference mini panel kept clean and mini left to get dirty normalize the panel's (8) measurements by processing them together with these environmental parameters. It calculates a pollution score based on environmental conditions (temperature, electrical changes resulting from radiation, shadowing, and the like, and the actual Changes resulting from surface pollution are separated and pollution 25 The pollution level is determined more reliably. The calculated pollution score is constant. can be modified by the user or determined by the system based on field data. It is compared with a threshold value, and when the threshold is exceeded, the relevant area is cleaned. It is marked as the required area. In order for the mini panel (8) used as a reference to form an accurate reference, 30 For this, the mini panel cover (9) is kept closed in the normal condition and the reference panel 9 It is ensured that it stays clean; when it is time to measure, the mini panel cover (9) It is opened to take measurements and then closed again after the measurement is complete. The system described in the invention is modular and suitable for large solar power plants. It can be implemented. For this purpose, the power plant has a control unit (11) It is divided into independent panel zones managed by a control 5 unit (11) responsible for an area covering, for example, approximately 10 to 50 panels Regional control units (11) can be connected to a central control unit (16) preferably an industrial communication infrastructure such as RS-485 and daisy-chain-like It is connected via a topology. The central control unit (16) is connected to it. Collecting data from connected regional control units (11) and 10 such as GSM / 4G / LTE via cellular communication to the central server and the user's mobile It transfers the data to the application. This allows for a separate cellular modem for each region. And no SIM card is needed; numerous regions are served by a single central cellular network. It can be managed via connection and only in areas exceeding the pollution threshold. It is being cleaned. 15 The system also includes a display unit for one or more regions (17) It can include. The display unit (17), instead of continuous image transmission; pollution threshold exceeded, cleaning initiated, user requests image or by taking photos or short video recordings in events such as a malfunction. It provides visual verification of the pollution situation. 20 After the cleaning process is complete, measurements of the relevant area will be taken again. is being done; control unit (11), values ​​before and after cleaning. by comparing, it calculates the change in panel performance and the result It reports to the user. The user can report this via mobile application or central software. By selecting the desired area, users can remotely initiate the cleaning process or 25 A cleaning process with parameters such as start date, time, duration, and repetition period. It can create a program. Before starting the cleaning process, the system measures the panel temperature. by controlling parameters such as environmental conditions and pollution levels They can decide whether or not to do it. A malfunction that may occur in the electronic control or communication system may result in a 30-day period. to prevent the cleaning mechanism from being completely disabled The system has a manual bypass switch (18). Preferably MANUAL – 0 – Thanks to this switch with AUTOMATIC settings, in case of a malfunction The cleaning mechanism is electronically controlled by field personnel. It can be operated manually, independently of the system. The system described in the invention, together with the cleaning mechanism described above, is 5 It can be used as well as without any mechanical cleaning mechanism. solely for the purpose of detecting panel contamination and reporting it to the user. It can also be used as an independent pollution monitoring system. Thus, the cleaning system described in this invention detects the contamination itself, and only... working when needed, brush (4) and water system (7) moved by ropes (2) 10 It cleans the panel surface without damaging it and requires no human intervention. It creates an autonomous structure that doesn't hear anything. Thanks to this, the solar panels are constantly... By keeping the area clean, energy production efficiency is increased. 20

Claims

11 REQUESTS 1. A cleaning system that autonomously cleans the surface of solar panels. Its characteristic is; - integrated as a frame for the solar panel and other parts of the system panel bed (1) carrying its elements, 5 - connected to two opposite sides of the panel bed (1) and brush (4) rail system that directs its movement (3), - brush (4) whose ends sit on the rail system (3) and clean the panel surface, - connected to the brush (4) and the brush (4) moving back and forth on the rail system (3) rope (2) that enables it to move, 10 - motor (5) that moves the rope (2), - limit switch (6) which determines the movement limits of the brush (4), - water system that sprays water onto the panel surface (7), - mini panel (8) that detects contamination on the panel surface, - mini panel cover (9) protecting the mini panel (8), 15 - mini panel washer (10) that keeps the mini panel (8) clean, - determining the pollution level by comparing the outputs of the mini panels (8) and accordingly the control that gives the order to wash the motor (5) and the water system (7) It contains unit (11).

2. A cleaning system in accordance with Claim 1, the feature of which is; the aforementioned panel bed (1) 20 The fixed elements on it are joined together by welding, and the detachable elements... It is connected by means of screws and nuts.

3. A cleaning system in accordance with Claim 1, the feature of which is; the aforementioned water installation (7) It contains a nozzle that sprays water onto the panel surface.

4. A cleaning system that complies with Claim 1, and its feature is that the mentioned brush (4) 25 located on opposite sides and where the brush (4) reaches the endpoints Two limiters detect and send direction change information to the control unit (11) It contains switch (6). 12 5. A cleaning system that complies with Claim 1, and its feature is; the aforementioned mini panel (8), one reference panel kept clean with mini panel washer (10), the other main at least two panels, including one panel left to contaminate itself under the same conditions as the other panels. It is the fact that.

6. A cleaning system that complies with Claim 1, and its feature is; control 5 mentioned above. by comparing the electrical values ​​produced by the unit (11) and the mini panels (8) Determining the level of contamination on the panel surface and the determined contamination level If the value exceeds, it gives a flushing order to the motor (5) and the water system (7).

7. A cleaning system in accordance with Claim 1, characterized by its function of cleaning the aforementioned water supply system. (7), 10 to a storage tank and pump unit integrated into the mains water or system It is the connection.

8. A cleaning system that complies with Claim 1, and whose feature is the aforementioned control. unit (11) washing process with the command given by the user It has a manual operating mode that is initiated.

9. A cleaning system that complies with Claim 1, and whose feature is; 15, such as weekly or monthly. Automatic washing performed at user-defined intervals. It includes a timing relay (12) which provides 10. A cleaning system that complies with Claim 1, and its feature is the movement of the brush (4). the transmission element (2), a rope or steel wire reinforced belt (steel (It can be applied as a wire belt). 20 11. A cleaning system in accordance with Claim 1, the characteristic of which is; the aforementioned rail system (3), modular which can be extended by joining end to end via connecting elements It consists of sections, preferably three-meter sections.

12. A cleaning system in accordance with claim 1, the feature of which is; control unit (11) If pollution is detected, the relevant 25 is notified via a communication module (13). The person's mobile application shows that contamination has been detected and washing is recommended. It is sending a notification in that direction.

13. A cleaning system that complies with Claim 1, and its feature is that it measures the panel temperature. It includes a temperature sensor (14) and a radiation sensor (15) that measures solar radiation and The electrical measurements of the control unit (11) and the mini panels (8) in this environmental 30 13 a normalized pollution score by evaluating it together with the parameters It calculates and compares it to a threshold value.

14. A cleaning system that complies with Claim 1, and its feature is; belonging to the reference mini panel. mini panel cover (9) is kept closed during normal operation and measurement time open to take measurements and then close again to reference 5 after the measurement. The goal is to keep the panel clean.

15. A cleaning system in accordance with Claim 1, characterized by the fact that each of the central units is a divided into independent zones managed by the control unit (11) and these regional control units (11), preferably RS-485 communication infrastructure By connecting to a single central control unit (16) only pollution 10 It is the cleaning of areas that have exceeded the threshold.

16. A cleaning system in accordance with claim 15, characterized by its central feature. the control unit (16) receives from the regional control units (11) that are subordinate to it. The data is transmitted to a central server via a single cellular communication link and It is the transfer of the data to the mobile application. 15 17. A cleaning system that complies with Claim 1, characterized by the fact that the contamination threshold is exceeded. Photographs or short clips are taken in case of events such as initiating cleaning, user requests, or malfunctions. an imaging system that provides visual verification of pollution by taking image recordings. It contains unit (17).

18. A cleaning system that complies with Claim 1, and whose characteristic is; cleaning process 20 Afterwards, the relevant area is measured again and the control unit (11) is cleaned. Determine the change in panel performance by comparing the values ​​before and after. It is the process of calculating and reporting.

19. A cleaning system that complies with Claim 1, the characteristic of which is that the cleaning process can be started remotely by the user or start time, duration and 25 It can be programmed with parameters such as repetition period and the system from cleaning First, check parameters such as panel temperature, ambient conditions, and pollution level. It is the act of doing.

20. A cleaning system conforming to Claim 1, characterized by electronic control. In case of a system malfunction, the cleaning mechanism will operate independently for 30 minutes. 14 Enabling operation, preferably with MANUAL – 0 – AUTOMATIC positions. It includes a manual bypass switch (18). 10 20

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