Linear cable system for cleaning solar panels

Abstract

The invention relates to the solar power industry. A linear cable system for cleaning solar panels comprises a control unit and a cleaning module. The control unit comprises a computer and a wireless communication module. The cleaning module, which is mounted on a row of solar panels, comprises a starting platform, a receiving platform, a cleaning device, and a cable system. The starting platform consists of a frame for an electric motor, a drive attachment frame, two driven pulleys, guide rails, and struts. The receiving platform consists of a drive attachment frame, two guide pulleys, guide rails, and struts. The guide rails are fastened to a crossbar, and the struts are fastened to support posts. The cable system contains a power shaft connected to the electric motor and to the guide pulleys, the guide pulleys being mounted on the ends of the receiving platform. Cables are threaded around the pulleys in such a way that between a cable and the surface of a solar panel there is a gap. The cables are tensioned by means of ratcheting mechanisms on a sheave assembly of a rotary drive of the cleaning device. The invention provides an increase in the reliability and service life of the equipment, an increase in cleaning power, and a broadening of the functional capabilities and scope of use of the system.

Description

[0001] LINEAR CABLE SYSTEM FOR CLEANING SOLAR PANELS

[0002] Field of technology

[0003] The invention relates to the field of solar energy, namely to methods and systems for cleaning solar panels, and can be used for automated maintenance of solar power plants, for removing snow and dirt from the front of solar modules.

[0004] State of the art

[0005] A device for cleaning solar panels is known (RU Patent for Utility Model No. 215592, IPC class B08B 9 / 049, F24S 40 / 20, H02S 40 / 10, published on 12 / 19 / 2022), which comprises a frame configured to move along the solar panels, rotating elements for movement interacting with the panel surface, and a brush. The device comprises two pairs of wheel-shaped movers connected by a mechanical gear transmission formed from three gears, with servo drive shafts for each pair of movers. To move on solar modules located at an angle, the device is equipped with an additional wheel-shaped mover connected to the servo drive shaft and installed parallel to the upper edge of the solar panel. For mechanical cleaning, a brush of variable size is used to adapt to different heights of the modules being cleaned.The power source for the servo drives is provided by rechargeable batteries and a solar panel mounted on the device body to recharge the main power source.

[0006] This device has electronics that move with the device during the cleaning process, which exposes it to vibrations and aggressive environmental conditions and significantly reduces the overall service life. In addition, the type of movement by means of propellers on the moving module will not provide sufficient movement power for cleaning complex contaminants, due to the fact that it is limited by the coefficient of adhesion of the drive wheels.

[0007] A device is known for preventing contamination and degradation of solar modules (RU Patent for Utility Model No. 218045, IPC class F24S 40 / 20, published on 04.05.2023), containing parallel rows of potential and grounded collecting electrodes, designed with the possibility of supplying high voltage (up to 10 kV) to them from a high-voltage source, wherein the collecting electrodes are fixed on a frame made proportionate to the area of ​​the solar module housing with the possibility of its dismantling for cleaning the wires and fixed on the solar module housing.

[0008] The disadvantage of the known device is the non-mechanical cleaning method, which requires significant energy costs. In addition, to improve the cleaning efficiency, it is necessary to locate the wires in close proximity to the panels, which can lead to local shading of the panels themselves and a drop in their output.

[0009] A device and method for automated cleaning of a solar panel are known (RU Patent for Invention No. 2645444, IPC class H01L 31 / 042, H01L 21 / 024, published on 21.02.2018). The device comprises a power source connected to the solar panel, pollution control sensors and wires located on the surface of the solar panel, the wires are designed to oscillate and are intertwined with each other in the form of a grid installed on the surface of the solar panel, while an alternating current source is used as a power source, and the pollution control sensors are made in the form of wire tension sensors located along the entire outer edge of the wire grid.

[0010] A method for cleaning a solar panel, in which surface contamination is detected by increasing the tension force of the wires, while activating cleaning, in which alternating current is supplied to the wires, ensuring the same values ​​of the natural frequency of oscillation of the wires, when oscillating, the wires touch each other at the maximum value of the amplitude of oscillation, achieving mechanical resonance, due to which they provide vibration necessary for crushing ice and heating necessary for melting snow and cleaning the panel.

[0011] The arrangement of wires on the surface of the panels leads to local shading of the panels themselves and a drop in their output and degradation. This disadvantage can be compensated by reducing the diameter of the wires, but in this case their strength becomes insufficient to resist the snow load. An additional disadvantage of the known device is the non-mechanical cleaning method, which requires significant energy costs.

[0012] A method for automated cleaning of solar panels is known (RU Patent for Invention No. 2679771, IPC class F24S 40 / 12, published on 12.02.2019), according to the method, an electric current is initially supplied to parallel wires above the surface of the solar panel. First, during the first three seconds, an electric current is supplied that is three times greater than the resonance current, and then it is reduced to the value of the electric current that creates an Ampere force capable of bringing the wires to resonance, with the help of which snow is shaken off the surface of the solar panel.

[0013] The disadvantages of this method are all the listed disadvantages of the previous method, as well as the non-mechanical cleaning method, which requires significant energy costs.

[0014] A method and device for cleaning surfaces are known (RU Patent for Invention No. 2799941, IPC class B08B 1 / 00, H02S 40 / 10, published on 14.07.2023). The device for cleaning the surface of solar panels from contamination comprises at least one casing, designed with the possibility of movement, adjacent to the surface being cleaned during cleaning, containing a working cavity in which the cleaning mechanism is located completely or partially and in which the surface is cleaned, wherein the casing isolates the surface being cleaned from the environment, while the sides of the casing contain a vacuum cavity designed with the possibility of removing air.A method for cleaning the surface of solar panels from contamination, in which a movable casing containing a working cavity with a cleaning mechanism located in this cavity is connected to the surface being cleaned, wherein the casing isolates the working cavity from the environment, wherein a casing with sides containing a vacuum cavity from which air is removed is used.

[0015] The disadvantage of this method is the need to create a vacuum, which is extremely difficult in real operating conditions with temperature differences and relative displacements of panels that change over time; unevenness on the panels. In addition, it is not without all the shortcomings of the patent for utility model No. 215592 described above. A solar battery panel is known (RU Patent for Invention No. 2280217, IPC class F24J 2 / 52, published on 20.07.2006), which consists of a vertical post, a frame and solar batteries themselves, while the frame is made rectangular with an aspect ratio of a / b = 1.618, where a is the small side of the frame, b is the large side of the frame, the longitudinal and transverse ribs of the frame are located so that the cells they form have the same aspect ratio.The panel is mounted on a pivot on the central pillar and can independently rotate in two mutually perpendicular planes by installing two 180° rectangular cross-section arcs; a cylindrical brush with the ability to rotate around the longitudinal axis and move up and down the panel is provided for cleaning the surface of the panel.

[0016] The disadvantage of this method is the need to install a separate cleaning system on one panel or a relatively small group of panels, which significantly reduces overall reliability and increases the labor intensity and cost of using this method on an industrial scale.

[0017] A known method for cleaning the surface of solar panels (invention application US 2014007904, IPC class B08B 1 / 04, B08B 7 / 04, published 09.01.2014) deployed outdoors includes installing a wiper so that it moves along the surface along a given path to remove dirt from the surface. The wiper moves along the surface in response to the difference between the nighttime ambient temperature and the daytime ambient temperature in the open air.

[0018] The disadvantage of this method is the dependence of the device's power on the temperature difference, which may not provide sufficient cleaning power in conditions of low and negative temperatures, as well as on days with insufficient difference between day and night temperatures. The inability to turn on the device during the day and in the above conditions may lead to excessive accumulation of contaminants under certain weather conditions and exclude the possibility of further operation of the device.

[0019] A solar panel cleaning system is known (patent for invention US 10116255, IPC class A46B 11 / 00, B08B 3 / 02, H02S 40 / 10, etc., published on 30.10.2018), which includes a brush connected by a hose to a liquid source. The brush has a cleaning material, such as bristles, attached to the brush body for mechanically cleaning the surface of the solar panel. The width of the contact surface of the cleaning material can be equal to the width of the solar panel, so that the solar panel can be cleaned only with up and down movements. The brush body can additionally support a liquid collector, which receives liquid from a liquid supply source. The liquid collector can include nozzles that eject liquid under pressure onto the solar panel. The nozzles can protrude both forward and backward from the brush body, so that liquid is sprayed from the solar panel in front of and behind the brush. The nozzles of the injectors can overlap and cover the entire width of the solar panel.

[0020] The disadvantages of this system are the impossibility of using it in winter due to low temperatures and possible icing of the liquid supply lines. Another disadvantage of this device is the presence of pumps that require powerful energy sources.

[0021] A device for cleaning a solar panel is known (application for invention US 20100293729, class IPC A46B 13 / 02, published 25.11.2010), comprising a control device and a solar panel, in which the control device is mounted either on the lower part or on the lower rear part of the rear part of the solar panel. The drive motor of the control device is controlled by setting a timer, so that the driven cleaner will be driven to clean the surface of the solar panel at a specified time.

[0022] The disadvantage of this method is the need to install a separate cleaning system on each panel, which significantly reduces overall reliability and increases the labor intensity and cost of using this method on an industrial scale. In addition, when installing control devices and motors separately on each individual panel in the case of their group arrangement, timers may become unsynchronized over time, which will lead to dusting of panels that are not currently cleaned due to the cleaning of neighboring ones.

[0023] A method for cleaning solar panels from snow, ice or dust is known (patent for invention US 11411531, IPC class H02S 40 / 12, B08B6 / 00, B08B 7 / 00, published on 09.08.2022). The cleaning method includes selecting specific cleaning locations on an array of solar panels, mainly based on differences in the location of obstacles and the sizes of obstacles. The cleaning method also includes a step-by-step and sequential selection of cleaning locations and a step-by-step and sequential activation of cleaning devices within the selected cleaning locations. Additional groups of gradually and sequentially activated cleaning devices can be powered, in whole or in part, by previous solar panels that have been cleaned. A disadvantage of this method is the sequential activation of cleaning devices, which leads to a period of time when some of the panels are not cleaned and, accordingly, does not provide full generation.This has a negative impact on the overall generation of the solar panel array and is inferior to the cleaning method, in which all panels are cleaned simultaneously as soon as possible after contamination occurs.

[0024] The invention's analogues also include solar panel cleaning robots Ecoppia https: / / www.ecoppia.com / and Airtouch https: / / airtouchsolar.com / , which are robotic cleaning solutions. The Ecoppia H4 robot has a flexible frame, is adaptable to speed, and provides bidirectional cleaning with both a fixed tilt and a single-axis tracker.

[0025] Airtouch 3.0 is a robotic waterless solar panel cleaning system. The cleaning system contains flexible jumpers that provide fast and smooth installation even in uneven rows, short rows, curved rows, etc. Microfiber wipers provide contact removal of dirt.

[0026] This system is a subtype of the utility model patent No. 215592 described above and has all the corresponding disadvantages.

[0027] A device for cleaning solar panels is known (patent for invention EP 2386364, class MIC A46B 11 / 06, B08B 1 / 04, F24J 2 / 46, H02S 40 / 10, etc., published on 25.01.2017), comprising a cleaning roller - an electric motor mounted with the possibility of rotation on a holder and equipped with rotary drives. The rotary drives are made in the form of hydraulic drives in which the flow of cleaning liquid, i.e. water supplied to the roller for cleaning purposes, is converted into a drive movement of the roller. The rotary drives are designed on the principle of a hydraulic drive for a dishwasher brush and hold the roller at both ends of the device. The carriage is made in the form of a fork with teeth formed by a rotary drive for holding the roller.

[0028] The disadvantage of this system is that it cannot be used in winter due to low temperatures and possible icing of the liquid supply lines.

[0029] A cleaning system is known (international application PCT WO 2022 / 259229, IPC class H02S 40 / 10, published on 15.12.2022) for cleaning at least one solar panel connected at an angle to a support structure, wherein the cleaning system comprises at least one brush, guide and drive elements configured to support and guide at least one brush along the direction of advancement, and connecting elements configured to removably connect the cleaning system to the solar panel. In this case, the guide and drive elements comprise sliders sliding along corresponding linear guides and configured to support at least one brush, a drive device configured to rotate at least one brush around an axis of rotation following the movement of the sliders along the linear guides.

[0030] This device has electronics that move with the device during the cleaning process, which exposes it to vibrations and aggressive environmental conditions and significantly reduces the overall service life. Another disadvantage of this method is the need to install a separate cleaning system on one panel or a relatively small group of panels, which significantly reduces overall reliability and increases the labor intensity and cost of using this method on an industrial scale.

[0031] A method for cleaning solar panels is known (international application PCT WO 2022 / 055768, class IEC B08B 6 / 00, B08B 7 / 02, F24S 40 / 20, H02S 40 / 10, H02S 40 / 12, published on 17.03.2022), when snow, ice or dust accumulates on the solar panels in order to reduce or eliminate the electrical output of the solar panels. The cleaning method includes selecting specific cleaning locations based on an array of solar panels, based primarily on the dependence on the location of the obstacle and differences in the dimensions of the obstacle. The cleaning method also includes a step-by-step and sequential selection of cleaning locations and a step-by-step and sequential activation of cleaning devices within the selected cleaning locations. Additional groups of gradually and sequentially activated cleaning devices can be powered, in whole or in part, by the previous solar panels that have been cleaned.

[0032] The disadvantage of this method is the sequential switching on of cleaning devices, which leads to a period of time when some panels are not cleaned, and, accordingly, does not provide full generation. This negatively affects the overall generation of the solar panel array and is inferior to the cleaning method, in which all panels are cleaned simultaneously in the shortest possible time after contamination occurs.

[0033] Disclosure of invention

[0034] The technical result that can be achieved with the help of the proposed invention consists in increasing the reliability of the equipment and its service life, increasing the cleaning power, expanding the functional capabilities and range of use. The claimed method and the design implementation of the cleaning system allow to overcome significant gaps and bends in a number of installed panels, as well as to work in extreme temperature ranges and weather conditions.

[0035] The specified technical result is achieved in that the method for cleaning solar panels is characterized by the fact that the rotating cleaning device moves along the rows of solar panels due to the tension of cables stretched along the rows of solar panels.

[0036] The specified technical result is also achieved in that the linear cable system for cleaning solar panels includes a control unit and a cleaning module; the control unit contains a computer with pre-installed proprietary software and a wireless communication module; the cleaning module is installed on a row of solar panels, connected to a power source and contains a starting and receiving table, a cleaning device with a carriage and a rotation drive, a cable system with a tensioning system; wherein the starting table consists of an electric motor frame, a drive mounting frame, two drive rollers, guides and struts; the receiving table consists of a drive mounting frame, two guide rollers, guides and struts, wherein the guides of the starting and receiving tables are attached to the cross beam, and the struts are attached to the support posts of the solar panel;the cable system comprises a power shaft connected to an electric motor, as well as to guide rollers installed on the edges of the receiving table, two cables are passed through the rollers, one from the upper and lower edges of the solar panel, so that there is a gap between the cable and the surface of the solar panel, and the tension of the cables is provided by ratchet mechanisms located on the pulley block of the rotation drive of the cleaning device.

[0037] The gap between the cable and the solar panel surface can be 50-90 mm.

[0038] The rope can be a 12-strand rope made of ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene with a central core made of the same material.

[0039] The length of the cleaning device may exceed the height of the solar panel.

[0040] To clean rows of solar panels with a vertical height difference of more than 40 mm and / or a horizontal panel offset of more than 20 mm, the cleaning system may additionally include a frame overpass.

[0041] A rotary brush can be used as a cleaning device, the bristles of which can be made of nylon threads with a diameter of 0.2 mm and a length of 80 mm. A fabric roller can also be used as a cleaning device.

[0042] To clean solar panel rows longer than 20 m, the cleaning system may additionally contain cable catchers. Cable catchers may be made in the form of a round pipe attached to the cross beams of the solar panel frame.

[0043] Brief description of the drawings

[0044] Fig. 1 shows a general view of the linear cable system cleaning module.

[0045] Fig. 2-4 shows photos of a prototype of the cleaning module and its individual elements at a test solar mini power plant.

[0046] The following designations are used in the figures: 1 - cleaning device with carriage and rotation drive, 2 - cable, 3 - drive rollers, 4 - power shaft, 5 - electric motor, 6 - receiving table, 7 - starting table, 8 - guide rollers.

[0047] Implementation of the invention

[0048] The linear cable system for cleaning solar panels is a stationary horizontal cleaning system and is a hardware and software complex for comprehensive cleaning of solar panels (photovoltaic modules - PEM) of industrial solar power plants from any types of contamination. The system is designed for installation and operation in rows up to 300 meters long. The system consumes up to 800 W of power and is designed for operation in a wide temperature range from -40 °C to +60 °C.

[0049] The method of cleaning solar panels is characterized by the fact that the rotating cleaning device moves along the rows of solar panels due to the tension of the cables stretched along the rows of solar panels. The difference is that the cleaning module moving along the rows of solar panels does not have its own electric drive. An electric cable is used to supply power, which is permanently laid along the structure of the solar panel. The operation of the cleaning module is ensured by mechanical energy converted by the module itself from the tension of the cables and / or the movement of the module relative to the cable and panels.

[0050] The linear cable cleaning system for solar panels includes a control unit and a cleaning module (see Fig. 1).

[0051] The control unit contains a computer with pre-installed proprietary software and a wireless communication module that operates, for example, using LoRa technology.

[0052] The cleaning module is installed on a row of solar panels, connected to a 220 V power source, controlled by wireless communication and contains a starting 7 and receiving 6 tables, a cleaning device 1 (a rotary brush is shown in the figure) with a carriage and a rotation drive, a cable system with a tension system.

[0053] The starting table 7 consists of the electric motor frame 5, the drive mounting frame, two drive rollers 3, guides and braces. The starting table 7 is a structure made of anodized aluminum profile. The braces are attached to the support posts using clamps, and the guides are attached to the cross beam through embedded nuts.

[0054] An asynchronous three-phase electric motor with a rated power of 0.75 kW (1390 rpm) squirrel-cage rotor, with power binding to overall dimensions according to GOST, can be used as electric motor 5. It is designed for connection to a single-phase AC network with a voltage of 230 V, 50 Hz. It has an IP55 protection rating and is manufactured in the climatic version and placement category UHL1 according to GOST 15150. The worm gear reducer is designed for long-term operation up to 24 hours a day or with periodic stops; operation in continuous and intermittent - short-term modes, with shaft rotation in any direction and in various spatial positions. The worm gear motor is manufactured using die casting technology. The gear reducer housing is made of aluminum alloy, ensuring high reliability in operation. The gear reducer uses TSP-10 oil with an operating temperature range of up to -40 ° C.Specifications: supply voltage: 230 V (single-phase); rated power consumption: 0.8 kW; peak power consumption (no more than 3 sec): 2 kW; maximum torque on the gearbox shaft: 80 N / m. Receiving table 6 consists of a drive mounting frame, two guide rollers 8, guides and braces. The design of receiving table 6 is similar to starting table 7 in materials and mounting method, with the exception of the placement of drive units.

[0055] The guides of the starting 7 and receiving 6 tables are attached to the cross beam, and the braces are attached to the support posts of the solar panel.

[0056] The cable system comprises a power shaft 4 connected to an electric motor 5, as well as to guide rollers 8 mounted on the edges of the receiving table 6. This design solution allows for independent transmission of forces to different parts of the structure, thereby ensuring the required rotation angles of the system for passing elevation differences and mutual displacements of the solar panels. Two cables 2 are passed through rollers 3, 8, one from the upper and lower edges of the solar panel, so that there is a gap between cable 2 and the surface of the solar panel. The gap between the cable and the surface of the solar panel can be 50-90 mm, optimally 70 mm.

[0057] The tension of cables 2 is provided by ratchet mechanisms located on the pulley block of the cleaning device rotation drive.

[0058] A 12-strand ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene cable with a central core made of the same material can be used as cable 2. Cables 2 have a length equal to the length of a row of solar panels. The outer braiding of cable 2 is made in a contrasting color in relation to the central core for visual diagnostics of damage. The cable coating is a multi-component, abrasion-resistant polyurethane that prevents the formation of a water film and the adhesion of snow and ice. Specifications: - high specific strength, 10 times less weight with equal strength characteristics with a steel cable;

[0059] - low elongation, 0.5-1% elongation at 50% of the breaking load;

[0060] - wear resistance, abrasion resistance, special protective coating;

[0061] - resistance to ultraviolet radiation;

[0062] - does not rot, resistant to acids and alkalis;

[0063] - dielectric material;

[0064] - ease of braiding and splicing in the field;

[0065] - breaking load up to 160 kg with a diameter of 3 mm;

[0066] - operating temperature range from -150 °C to +105 °C.

[0067] The length of the cleaning device 1 exceeds the height of the solar panel. A rotary brush with bristles made of nylon threads with a diameter of 0.2 mm and a length of 80 mm can be used as a cleaning device. If it is necessary to clean the solar modules from sand, a fabric roller can also be used as a cleaning device.

[0068] It is possible to use electronics on the cleaning device for auxiliary functions, such as (but not limited to): heating to avoid ice and snow build-up, cameras and sensors to monitor the cleaning quality and condition of the panels, pneumatic systems to blow out the cleaning area, etc.

[0069] The design of the cleaning module is intended to overcome, without loss of cleaning quality, the maximum difference in height between tables of up to 40 mm, and the displacement of panels along the horizontal plane of up to 20 mm.

[0070] Differences exceeding the specified values ​​require adjustment of the panel installation height. If adjustment is not possible, an additional cleaning system can be installed or transition structures for the cleaning module can be manufactured.

[0071] To clean rows of solar panels with a vertical height difference of more than 40 mm and / or a horizontal panel offset of more than 20 mm, the cleaning system may additionally include a frame trestle. The frame trestle is made of an aluminum profile and is rigidly attached to the frame of the solar panel table.

[0072] The disadvantage of this solution is the structural necessity to leave 3 to 4 panels uncleaned.

[0073] To clean rows of solar panels longer than 20 m, the cleaning system additionally contains cable catchers that prevent the cable from sagging and wearing off the edges.

[0074] The cable catchers are made in the form of a round pipe attached to the cross beams of the solar panel frame through embedded beams installed every 30-40 meters.

[0075] The cleaning module moves along the surface of the tables using a carriage with special wheels and rollers made of aluminum alloy and rubber-lined with a working temperature range from -40 °C to +60 °C. The hardness of the rubber compound IRP-1266 is 65 units according to Shore A, which provides optimal technical characteristics for this task and guarantees the absence of damage to the surfaces of solar panels during operation.

[0076] The general design of the cleaning module allows only the wheels and bristles (or cloth) of the cleaning device to touch the solar panel.

[0077] The total weight of the module is about 65 kg. The distributed load, taking into account the total contact area of ​​both the wheels (rollers) and the cleaning device, provides a uniform load on the solar panel. This ensures sufficient load for high-quality cleaning of the solar panel surface without damaging it. The length of the cleaning module and the cleaning device (brush or fabric roller) is selected based on the dimensions of the FEM tables on which it is installed and can be changed based on the dimensions of the panels used at the SES. The length of the cleaning device exceeds the dimensions of the FEM and ensures cleaning of its entire surface.

[0078] The control unit consists of the following components: server, cleaning module control cabinet, mobile terminal for setup and testing.

[0079] A personal computer (hereinafter referred to as PC) is used as a server, on which software (hereinafter referred to as SW) is installed for monitoring the status, setting operating parameters and group control of the cleaning system. The cleaning modules are controlled via a radio channel of the LoRaWAN RU type (frequency plan RU868) in accordance with the PNST 516-2021 standard. To transmit commands via the Ethernet IP interface, a base station (hereinafter referred to as BS) in the IP 67 design is connected to the PC.

[0080] The mobile terminal (hereinafter MT) is a tablet computer in a protected design, on which software is installed for manual control of a single module in the service mode when putting the cleaning module into operation or when changing the settings. With the help of MT, the identifier of each module is configured, the speed of movement in different sections of a row of panels, the parameters for overcoming gaps between tables are set. Also, with the help of MT, the correctness of the control parameters of the cleaning module movement is checked. The MT is connected to the control cabinet of the cleaning module via the LoRaWAN radio channel.

[0081] The software part of the control panel is software written for Windows 7-11.

[0082] This control program is mainly of the nature of an information system; almost all settings for the operation of individual modules, as well as settings for communication modules, occur at the hardware level and are not available to the user.

[0083] The control cabinet of the cleaning module is a heat-insulated housing in IP 65 design with a climate control system, which contains equipment for controlling the electric motor of the cleaning module movement drive.

[0084] For smooth start and stop of the cleaning module movement, as well as for controlling the movement speed when passing through gaps and "steps" between tables, a single-phase frequency converter (FC) with a power of 0.75 kW is used. An electromagnetic interference filter is installed at the FC input to reduce the emission of electromagnetic interference into the power supply network. The power input is protected by UZIN class 2 In (8 / 20) = 20 kA.

[0085] The system is controlled via a radio channel. In the absence or interruption of incoming commands, the control system provides algorithms for safe shutdown and parking. The current position of the module is monitored by the parking limit switch and the encoder installed on the drive shaft. In the controller, the encoder and limit switch inputs are protected by a surge protector and galvanically isolated.

[0086] The system for maintaining the temperature inside the cabinet operates independently of the control controller and incoming commands. A protection system is provided. In case of failures, the system is automatically blocked with a notification sent to the server to the operator.

[0087] The advantage of the developed cleaning method and system is the absence of drive electromechanical units on the moving part of the device. Also, the cleaning module, moving along the rows of solar panels, does not have its own electric drive and moves due to the tension of the leading cables / ropes stretched along the rows of panels. Thus, cleaning occurs due to the conversion of mechanical energy from movement under the action of the cables.

[0088] This difference allows:

[0089] - Significantly increase the reliability of the equipment and its service life by eliminating the use of batteries and solar panels on the cleaning module itself, as well as by means of a fixed mount for the main drive and the ability to use high-reliability general industrial components.

[0090] - Reduce the cost of the equipment itself and maintain its functionality over long periods of operation.

[0091] - Significantly increase the cleaning power, which will allow cleaning even a thick layer of snow and sand contamination.

[0092] - Overcome significant gaps and bends in a number of installed panels. - Work in extreme temperature ranges and weather conditions.

[0093] Example of implementation.

[0094] Several prototypes of the linear cable system for cleaning solar panels were manufactured (see photos in Fig. 2-4), as well as a pre-production prototype, which were tested on a test solar mini power station. The prototypes of the system demonstrated high reliability and cleaning quality during operation, including allowing them to overcome gaps and bends in a number of installed panels, as well as work in extreme temperature ranges and weather conditions.

[0095] A comparative analysis of the claimed method and design of the cleaning system shows that the set of essential features is unknown from the state of the art and, therefore, meets the patentability condition “Novelty”.

[0096] The prior art did not reveal any features that coincide with the distinctive features of the claimed technical solution and affect the achievement of the claimed technical result, therefore the claimed invention complies with the patentability requirement “Inventive step”.

[0097] The information provided confirms the possibility of using the claimed method and system for automated maintenance of solar power plants, for removing snow and dirt from the front of solar modules, and therefore complies with the patentability condition “Industrial applicability”.

Claims

Invention formula 1. A linear cable system for cleaning solar panels, including a control unit and a cleaning module; the control unit contains a computer with pre-installed proprietary software and a wireless communication module; the cleaning module is mounted on a row of solar panels, connected to a power source and contains a starting and receiving table, a cleaning device with a carriage and a rotation drive, a cable system with a tensioning system; wherein the starting table consists of an electric motor frame, a drive mounting frame, two drive rollers, guides and struts; the receiving table consists of a drive mounting frame, two guide rollers, guides and struts, wherein the guides of the starting and receiving tables are attached to a cross beam, and the struts are attached to the support posts of the solar panel;the cable system comprises a power shaft connected to an electric motor, as well as to guide rollers mounted on the edges of the receiving table, two cables are passed through the rollers, one from the upper and lower edges of the solar panel, so that there is a gap between the cable and the surface of the solar panel, and the tension of the cables is provided by ratchet mechanisms located on the pulley block of the rotation drive of the cleaning device.

2. A linear system according to item 1, characterized in that the gap between the cable and the surface of the solar panel is 50-90 mm.

3. A linear system according to item 1, characterized in that a 12-strand cable made of ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene with a central core made of the same material is used as the cable.

4. A linear system according to claim 1, characterized in that the length of the cleaning device exceeds the height of the solar panel.

5. The linear system according to item 1, characterized in that for cleaning rows of solar panels with a vertical height difference of more than 40 mm and / or a horizontal displacement of panels of more than 20 mm, the cleaning system additionally contains a frame overpass.

6. The linear system according to item 1, characterized in that a rotary brush made of nylon threads with a diameter of 0.2 mm and a length of 80 mm is used as a cleaning device.

7. The linear system according to item 1, characterized in that a fabric roller is used as a cleaning device.

8. The linear system according to item 1, characterized in that for cleaning rows of solar panels longer than 20 m, the cleaning system additionally contains cable catchers.

9. A linear system according to item 8, characterized in that the cable catchers are made in the form of a round pipe attached to the cross beams of the solar panel frame.

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