Apparatus for cleaning solar panels

Abstract

The present invention relates to an apparatus for cleaning solar panels, such as photovoltaic panels or solar-thermal panels. More specifically, it is an apparatus capable of cleaning solar panels without the aid of an operator.

Description

[0001] APPARATUS FOR CLEANING SOLAR PANELS

[0002] Specification

[0003] The present invention relates to an apparatus for cleaning solar panels, such as photovoltaic panels and solar-thermal panels.

[0004] More particularly, it relates to an apparatus capable of cleaning panels without the aid of any operator, whether photovoltaic panels or solar-thermal panels.

[0005] As is well known, the performance of solar panels is significantly impacted by their level of cleanliness.

[0006] Consequently, proper and targeted cleaning of solar panels is essential to ensure high system performance. In fact, regularly scheduled cleaning can increase the energy yield of solar panels by up to 30 per cent.

[0007] Usually, solar panels are cleaned manually using special brushes. Cleaning is done by spraying a cleaning agent (water or other suitable liquids) on the surface of the panels and applying an abrasive force by means of a brush, which can be motorised.

[0008] The most relevant issue with this method of cleaning is the need for an operator who often has to work in a potentially risky situation, such as cleaning solar panels on both residential and industrial roofs.

[0009] The cleaning of solar panels can also take place without the use of a cleaning agent. This is useful for large solar fields located on the ground in dry regions where water is not plentiful.

[0010] In these cases, cleaning is generally carried out automatically using rollers equipped with cleaning cloths. The rotation of the rollers causes the cloth to rub against the surface of the panel, so the cloth cleans by rubbing.

[0011] Although this cleaning system is automatic and therefore does not require the continuous intervention of an operator, it does require the construction of a special frame with rails to allow the movement of the roller, as well as the installation of means of rotation of the roller itself.

[0012] Another solution for cleaning solar panels is that of the autonomous, unrestrained robot that can carry out dry cleaning or use a cleaning agent.

[0013] This application is applicable, however, if the panels are placed on the ground and equipped with an orientation system.

[0014] In addition, to use an autonomous robot, the presence of an operator on the roof is still required, resulting in safety issues.

[0015] In fact, the cleaning robot is operated once the panels have been positioned horizontally so that they are the robot's support surface.

[0016] The main problem with this system is therefore its limited applicability. In fact, such a cleaning robot would be difficult to use in cleaning solar panels on pitched roofs.

[0017] The latter is, among other things, the most common configuration and also the most difficult to clean, as it is inaccessible and intrinsically unsafe.

[0018] In fact, the automatic cleaning of solar panel surfaces installed at a certain angle, where the perimeter of the surface is not necessarily regular, and the surface itself is not particularly large, is rather complex.

[0019] In this context, the installation of a support frame for the movement of a roller or robot would be too invasive, therefore not convenient, and sometimes not even feasible.

[0020] Furthermore, various patent documents describing panel cleaning systems are known.

[0021] CN1 10813834 describes a robot for cleaning a single solar panel; this robot is tied by means of four ropes to four winches attached to the four corners of the solar panel.

[0022] KR1020180078809 describes a cleaning robot that moves above an assembly of panels as it is constrained by means of four ropes, each of which is attached to a relative hoist attached to each corner of the assembly of panels.

[0023] CN201676851 , CN213162048, CN212543722, KR1020150145571 describe cleaning systems in which a cleaning device is movable over one or more panels by means of one or more rails.

[0024] KR1020210025881 , KR1020210063955 describe a cleaning device that moves by means of a combined system of one rail and at least one rope.

[0025] CN207823447, JP2017153246, CN113333339 describe cleaning systems in which the cleaning device moves along a single direction as it covers the surface of the panels by their width.

[0026] It is an object of the present invention to provide an apparatus for cleaning panels that overcomes the problems of the known technique.

[0027] A further scope of the invention is to provide an apparatus for cleaning panels that does not require continuous operator intervention.

[0028] A further scope of the invention is to provide an apparatus for cleaning panels which can be easily installed, irrespective of the position of the panels, so as not to entail high assembly costs.

[0029] Still another purpose of the invention is to provide an apparatus for cleaning panels which operates in a simple and practical manner, without incurring high costs for its operation.

[0030] These and other purposes are achieved by an apparatus for cleaning panels according to the appended claims. The apparatus for cleaning panels according to the invention therefore has numerous advantages over the known technique.

[0031] First of all, its installation does not require any modification to the already installed panels and can be permanent, as the cleaning device provides for a resting position outside the surface of the panels, thus not affecting the performance of the panels.

[0032] This is enabled by the fact that the cleaning device is moved using only ropes with idler pulleys installed outside the panel assembly to be cleaned.

[0033] In addition, the cleaning device only moves the cleaning means that clean the panels without controlling the rope winding.

[0034] The cleaning device moves arbitrarily and not bound to a predefined path.

[0035] Furthermore, the apparatus for cleaning according to the invention provides that the cleaning device can move by gravity, thereby reducing the complexity of the related cleaning device handling system.

[0036] Further features and details can be better understood from the following description, which is given as a non-limiting example, as well as from the attached drawing tables, where:

[0037] Fig. 1 is an axonometric view from above of an apparatus for cleaning panels according to a first embodiment;

[0038] Fig. 2 is an axonometric top view of an apparatus for cleaning panels according to a second embodiment;

[0039] Fig. 3 is an axonometric top view of an apparatus for cleaning panels according to a third embodiment;

[0040] Fig. 4 is an axonometric top view of an apparatus for cleaning panels according to a fourth embodiment; Fig. 5 is an axonometric top view of a first cleaning device mounted on an apparatus according to the invention;

[0041] Fig. 6 is an axonometric top view of a second cleaning device mounted on an apparatus according to the invention;

[0042] Fig. 7 is an axonometric top view of a third cleaning device mounted on an apparatus according to the invention.

[0043] First embodiment

[0044] With reference to the enclosed Figure 1 , the apparatus 10 is identified as an apparatus, according to a first embodiment, for cleaning of panels P, mounted on a sloping roof T, similarly to panels P.

[0045] The apparatus 10 comprises a cleaning device 12 which cleans the panels P, coming into direct contact with them.

[0046] The cleaning device 12 is attached to the end of a first rope 14 and the end of a second rope 16.

[0047] The opposite end of the first rope 14 is fixed to a first winch 18, while the opposite end of the second rope 16 is fixed to a second winch 20.

[0048] The first rope 14 passes through a first passive idler pulley 22 rotatably constrained to a first support 24, fixed to the roof T or to the edge of an end panel on the right side and above the panels P.

[0049] Symmetrically positioned with respect to the first rope 14, the second rope 16 passes through a second passive idler pulley 26 rotationally constrained to a second support 28, fixed to the roof T or to the edge of an end panel on the left side and above the panels P.

[0050] The first winch 18 and the second winch 20 are independently connected to respective handling devices housed within a handling box 30. Underneath the handling box 30 is arranged a pad 32 in which the cleaning device 12 can be arranged when it is not operating and cleaning.

[0051] As the roof T is inclined, the cleaning device 12 can use the force of gravity to carry out cleaning of the panels P by means of cleaning friction and at the same time keep the first rope 14 and the second rope 16 in tension.

[0052] The position of the cleaning device 12 on the panels P can be changed by lengthening or shortening the first rope 14 and / or the second rope 16 by clockwise or counterclockwise rotation of the first winch 18 and / or the second winch 20, respectively.

[0053] In other words, winding or unwinding the first rope 14 on the first winch 18 and / or winding or unwinding the second rope 16 on the second winch 20 changes the position of the cleaning device 12 on the panels P.

[0054] In particular, the clockwise or counter-clockwise rotation of the first winch 18 and the clockwise or counter-clockwise rotation of the second winch 20 take place in a totally autonomous manner with respect to each other.

[0055] In this way, the cleaning device 12 can be positioned in any position on the panels P, thus being able to clean the entire surface thereof.

[0056] Second embodiment

[0057] With reference to the annexed Figure 2, the apparatus 50 is identified as an apparatus, according to a second embodiment, for cleaning panels P, mounted on a sloping roof T, similar to panels P.

[0058] The apparatus 50 comprises a cleaning device 52 which cleans the panels

[0059] P, coming into direct contact with them.

[0060] Attached to the cleaning device 52 is an idler pulley 54 on which a first rope

[0061] 56 can slide. The first rope 56 can slide on one side on a first passive pulley 58 and on the opposite side on a second passive pulley 60, both rotatably mounted on a carriage 62.

[0062] The carriage 62 is movable on a track 64 arranged above the panels P.

[0063] The first rope 56 then slides on one side on a first passive idler pulley 66 and on the other side on a second passive idler pulley 68.

[0064] Furthermore, the first rope 56 is fixed at one point thereof to a first winch 70. Accordingly, the first winch 70, by rotating clockwise or counterclockwise, wraps or unwinds the first rope 56 by changing its length.

[0065] In this way, the cleaning device 52 is moved vertically.

[0066] On opposite sides of the trolley 62 are fixed respectively the first end 72 and the second end 74 of a second rope 76 which slides on one side on a third passive idler pulley 78 and on the other side on a fourth passive idler pulley 80.

[0067] The first passive deflection pulley 66 and the third passive deflection pulley 78 are mounted on a first support 84, while the second passive deflection pulley 68 and the fourth passive deflection pulley 80 are mounted on a second support 86.

[0068] The first support 84 and the second support 86 are fixed above the panels P and to the right and left of the same panels P, respectively.

[0069] The second rope 76 is coiled for one turn on a second winch 82. In this way, at a rotation of the second winch 82 the second rope 76 simply moves without any winding or unwinding on the same second winch 82, but causes the lateral displacement, to the right or to the left, of the carriage 62 and, consequently, of the cleaning device 52.

[0070] The first winch 70 and the second winch 82 are independently moved by appropriate handling devices housed within a handling box 90. Between the second support 86 and the panels P is arranged an apron 88 in which the cleaning device 52 can be arranged when it is not operating and cleaning.

[0071] Since the roof T is inclined, the cleaning device 52 can exploit the force of gravity to carry out the cleaning of the panels P by means of cleaning friction and at the same time keep the first rope 56 in tension.

[0072] According to the configuration just described, the cleaning device 52 can be moved vertically and horizontally by means of a rotation of the first winch 70 and a rotation of the second winch 82, respectively.

[0073] In other words, winding or unwinding the first rope 56 on the first winch 70 changes the position of the cleaning device 52 in a vertical direction, while rotating the second winch 82 changes the position of the cleaning device 52 in a horizontal direction.

[0074] Third embodiment

[0075] With reference to the annexed Figure 3, the apparatus 110 is identified as an apparatus, according to a third embodiment, for cleaning panels P, mounted on a sloping roof T, similarly to panels P.

[0076] The apparatus 110 comprises a cleaning device 112 which carries out the cleaning of the panels P, coming into direct contact with them.

[0077] The cleaning device 112 is attached to the end of a first rope 114 and the end of a second rope 116.

[0078] The opposite end of the first rope 114 is fixed to a first winch 118, while the opposite end of the second rope 116 is fixed to a second winch 120.

[0079] The first rope 114 passes through a first passive idler pulley 122 rotationally constrained to a first support 124, fixed to the roof T on the right side and inferiorly to the panels P. In a symmetrical position with respect to the first rope 114, the second rope 116 passes through a second passive return pulley 126 rotationally constrained to a second support 128, fixed to the roof T on the left side and inferiorly to the panels

[0080] P.

[0081] The first winch 118 and the second winch 120 are independently connected to respective handling devices housed within a handling box 130 arranged inferiorly to the panels P.

[0082] Between the movement box 130 and the panels P is arranged a pad 132 in which the cleaning device 112 can be arranged when it is not operational and in cleaning mode.

[0083] Attached to the cleaning device 112 is one end of a cable 134 running on a deflection pulley 136.

[0084] The opposite end of the cable 134 is secured to a counterweight 138.

[0085] The counterweight 138 by gravity keeps the cable 134 under tension and consequently also the first rope 114 and the second rope 116.

[0086] The position of the cleaning device 112 on the panels P can be changed by lengthening or shortening the first rope 114 and / or the second rope 116 by clockwise or counterclockwise rotation of the first winch 118 and / or the second winch 120 respectively.

[0087] In other words, winding or unwinding the first rope 114 on the first winch 118 and / or winding or unwinding the second rope 116 on the second winch 120 changes the position of the cleaning device 112 on the panels P.

[0088] In particular, the clockwise or counterclockwise rotation of the first winch 118 and the clockwise or counterclockwise rotation of the second winch 120 occur totally independently of each other. In this way, the cleaning device 112 can be positioned in any position on the panels P, thus being able to clean the entire surface thereof.

[0089] Furthermore, the idler pulley 136 can be movable laterally, e.g. driven by an additional winch.

[0090] Fourth embodiment

[0091] With reference to the attached Figure 4, the apparatus 150 is identified as an apparatus, according to a fourth embodiment, for cleaning panels P, mounted on a sloping roof T, similarly to panels P.

[0092] The apparatus 150 comprises a cleaning device 152 which cleans the panels P, coming into direct contact with them.

[0093] Attached to the cleaning device 152 is an idler pulley 154 on which a first rope 156 can slide.

[0094] The first rope 156 can slide on one side on a first passive pulley 158 and on the opposite side on a second passive pulley 160, both rotatably mounted on a carriage 162.

[0095] The carriage 162 is movable on a track 164 arranged inferiorly to the panels P.

[0096] The first rope 156 then slides on one side on a first passive idler pulley 166 and on the other side on a second passive idler pulley 168.

[0097] Furthermore, the first rope 156 is attached at one point to a first winch 170. Accordingly, the first winch 170, by rotating clockwise or counterclockwise, wraps or unwinds the first rope 156 by changing its length.

[0098] In this way, the cleaning device 152 is moved vertically.

[0099] On opposite sides of the trolley 162 are fixed respectively the first end 172 and the second end 174 of a second rope 176 running on one side on a third passive idler pulley 178 and on the other side on a fourth passive idler pulley 180.

[0100] The first passive return pulley 166 and the third passive return pulley 178 are mounted on a first support 184, while the second passive return pulley 168 and the fourth passive return pulley 180 are mounted on a second support 186.

[0101] The first support 184 and the second support 186 are fixed inferiorly to the panels P and to the right and left of the same panels P, respectively.

[0102] The second rope 176 is coiled for one turn on a second winch 182. In this way, at a rotation of the second winch 182 the second rope 176 simply moves without any winding or unwinding on the same second winch 182, but causes the lateral displacement, to the right or to the left, of the carriage 162 and, consequently, of the cleaning device 152.

[0103] The first winch 170 and the second winch 182 are independently moved by appropriate handling devices housed within a handling box 190.

[0104] A pad 188 is arranged between the first support 184 and the panels P in which the cleaning device 152 can be arranged when it is not operational and in cleaning mode.

[0105] Attached to the cleaning device 152 is one end of a cable 192 running on a return pulley 194.

[0106] The opposite end of the cable 192 is secured to a counterweight 196.

[0107] The counterweight 196 by gravity keeps the cable 192 and consequently also the first rope 156 under tension.

[0108] According to the configuration just described, the cleaning device 152 can be moved vertically and horizontally by a rotation of the first winch 170 and a rotation of the second winch 182 respectively.

[0109] In other words, winding or unwinding the first rope 156 on the first winch 170 changes the position of the cleaning device 152 in a vertical direction, while rotating the second winch 182 changes the position of the cleaning device 152 in a horizontal direction.

[0110] The cleaning device 12, 52, 112, 152 as previously described can be realised according to three different configurations.

[0111] First cleaning device

[0112] According to a first configuration, illustrated in Figure 5, a cleaning device 210 is attached to an apparatus for cleaning panels, as illustrated above.

[0113] The cleaning device 210 comprises a frame 212 to which a first cleaning roller 214 and a second cleaning roller 216 are rotatably attached.

[0114] The first cleaning roller 214 and the second cleaning roller 216 are connected to a gearbox 218 (optional) which in turn is connected to a drive motor 220.

[0115] A reservoir of water or cleaning fluid is also attached to the frame 212, which is sprayed by means of a distribution system 222, such as a duct and a spray nozzle.

[0116] Second cleaning device

[0117] According to a second configuration, illustrated in figure 6, a cleaning device 240 is fixed to an apparatus for cleaning panels, as previously illustrated.

[0118] The cleaning device 240 includes a frame 242 to which a first rotating brush 244, a second rotating brush 246, a third rotating brush 248 and a fourth rotating brush 250 are rotatably fixed.

[0119] The four rotating brushes 244, 246, 248, 250 are connected to a reducer 252 or to suitable transmission members, in turn connected to a drive motor 254.

[0120] A tank of water or detergent liquid is also fixed to the frame 242 and is sprayed by a distribution system 256.

[0121] Third cleaning device According to a third configuration, illustrated in figure 7, a cleaning device

[0122] 270 is fixed to an apparatus for cleaning panels, as previously illustrated.

[0123] The cleaning device 270 includes a frame 272 to which a first rotating brush 274, a second rotating brush 276, a third rotating brush 278 and a fourth rotating brush are rotatably fixed.

[0124] The four rotating brushes 274, 276, 278 are connected to a reducer 280 or to suitable transmission members, in turn connected to a drive motor 282.

[0125] A movable cleaning roller 284 is rotatably constrained to the frame 272 by means of a reducer 286 or other transmission means connected to the drive motor 282.

[0126] A tank of water or detergent liquid is also fixed to the frame 272 and is sprayed by a distribution system 288.

[0127] Further information

[0128] The cleaning device, as previously illustrated, in its different configurations, is designed to be equipped with a support battery for operating the brushes and / or cleaning rollers. Thanks to the presence of the battery it is possible to avoid the use of power cables which should be provided for cleaning.

[0129] Furthermore, the cleaning device can include a support tank for any washing liquid.

[0130] The purpose of the stand is to keep the cleaning device stationary and in a safe position during periods of inactivity. To carry out this task, the pad includes a passive mechanism to keep the cleaning device blocked.

[0131] An active mechanism, such as an actuator, releases the cleaning device, thus allowing the start of a new cleaning cycle.

[0132] Furthermore, the pitch can be multifunctional, as it can include: - a washing system for the cleaning media present in the cleaning device itself;

[0133] - means of electric charging of the cleaning device;

[0134] - a water supply system to refill the cleaning device with water.

[0135] If the cleaning device includes a support battery and / or a support tank, then the pitch also acts as a charging point.

[0136] The cleaning device can be equipped with a sensor that allows you to estimate the amount of dirt present on the panels. This information can be used to decide whether to start a panel cleaning cycle.

[0137] The cleaning device can also be used to unroll and roll up a sheet useful for protecting the P panels, for example, in case of bad weather.

[0138] The movement box is connected to a control unit which regulates the movement of the various winches so as to move the cleaning device according to the desired path.

[0139] Variations and implementation methods different from those previously illustrated are possible and are to be considered included in the scope of protection defined by the attached claims.

[0140] For example, the cleaning device can have additional configurations than those previously illustrated.

[0141] In particular, the number and shape of the brushes or cleaning rollers present in the previously described cleaning devices can vary according to needs.

[0142] Furthermore, the handling boxes can also be arranged not centrally but in a more lateral position than those illustrated previously.

Claims

1) An apparatus (50; 150) for cleaning panels P arranged on a pitched roof T, characterised by comprising:- a handling box (90; 190) comprising a first winch (70; 170) and a second winch (82; 182), said first winch (70; 170) and said second winch (82; 182) being capable of rotating independently of each other;- a first rope (56; 156) with a first end fixed to the first winch (70; 170) and a second end fixed;- a second rope (76; 176) with a first end (72; 172) and a second end (74; 174), said second rope (76; 176) being coiled for one revolution around the second winch (82; 182);- a trolley (62; 162) movable transversally with respect to the panels and to opposite sides of which are fixed the first end (72; 172) and the second end (74; 174) of the second rope (76; 176);- a first pulley (58; 158) passive and a second pulley (60; 160) passive, both mounted rotationally on the carriage (62; 162) and crossed by the first rope (56; 156);- a cleaning device (52; 152) to which is attached an idler pulley (54; 154) on which the first rope (56; 156) can slide; said cleaning device (52; 152) being capable of contacting and cleaning the panels P;- a first passive idler pulley (66; 166) arranged on the right side of the panels, through which the first rope (56; 156) passes;- a second passive idler pulley (68; 168) arranged on the left side of the panels, through which the first rope (56; 156) passes.2) Apparatus (50) according to the preceding claim, wherein the handling box (90)is arranged superiorly to the panels P, so that the cleaning device (52) tends on the one hand to go downwards by force of gravity and on the other hand is held and guided by the first rope (56) and the carriage (62).3) Apparatus (150) according to claim 1 , wherein the handling box (190) is disposed inferiorly to the panels P and wherein a first end of a cable (192) running on a deflection pulley (194) is attached to the cleaning device (152), the opposite end of the cable (192) being secured to a counterweight (196) which by gravity keeps the cable (192) in tension.4) Apparatus (50; 150) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein is included a pad (88; 188) adapted to accommodate the cleaning device (52; 152) when it is not performing the cleaning activity.5) Apparatus (50; 150) according to the preceding claim, wherein the pad (88; 188) comprises at least one of the following:- a cleaning system for cleaning the cleaning device;- a system for electrically charging the cleaning device;- a water dispensing system for recharging the cleaning device with water.6) Apparatus (50; 150) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first passive idler pulley (66; 166) is rotationally constrained to a first support (84; 184) and wherein the second passive idler pulley (68; 168) is rotationally constrained to a second support (86; 186).7) Apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the cleaning device comprises a frame to which the at least one cleaning roller and / or the at least one rotating brush are rotatably attached.8) Apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the at least one cleaning roller and / or the at least one rotating brush are connected to a gearbox which is inturn connected to a drive motor.9) Apparatus according to claim 7 or 8, wherein a tank of water or cleaning liquid is attached to the frame, which is sprayed by means of a distribution system.10)Apparatus according to any one of claims 7 to 9, wherein the cleaning device comprises a battery.

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