A system for cleaning of solar panels and a method to operate the same

Abstract

A system (100) for cleaning of solar panel (102) is disclosed The system includes a dirt detection unit (104), a cleaning assembly (106), a health monitoring unit (130) and a stopping mechanism (114). The dirt detection unit includes a reference panel and sensors to measure a power output, compare the power output with a power output of the solar panel for detecting the dust accumulation and activates the cleaning cycle. The cleaning assembly includes brushes (108) adapted to move up and down on the solar panel, limit switches (110) to sense the end of the solar panel, and showers (112) to spray water onto the solar panel surface for a predefined period. The health monitoring unit continuously monitors current values of a motor, detects a defect, activates an alarm and stops the cleaning until the defect is resolved. The stopping mechanism stops the cleaning after a cleaning cycle.

Description

[0001] A SYSTEM FOR CLEANING OF SOLAR PANELS AND A METHOD TO OPERATE THE SAME

[0002] EARLIEST PRIORITY DATE

[0003] This Application claims priority from a Complete patent application filed in India having Patent Application No. 202421008399, filed on 07th day of February 2024 and titled A SYSTEM FOR CLEANING OF SOLAR PANELS AND A METHOD TO OPERATE THE SAME.

[0004] FIELD OF INVENTION

[0005] Embodiments of a present disclosure relate to cleaning systems and more particularly to a system for cleaning of solar panels and a method to operate the same.

[0006] BACKGROUND

[0007] Solar energy is largely used as an alternative source of energy and is used in widespread applications in a variety of fields. The solar energy is used in various applications such as for cooking food, generating energy, water heating, and the like. Specifically, for the purpose of water heating, solar panels are widely used and can be installed in small as well as large areas. The solar panels, also called as photovoltaic (PV) panels, are used to generate solar power.

[0008] Currently, the cleaning systems for solar panel works manually. A user have to clean the solar panel by spraying water on solar panels and sometimes wiping the panels with rubber or cotton wipers. This is tedious job as the solar panels are roof mounted and many times difficult to reach out specifically when the solar panels are large in numbers. The cleaning of solar panels is must task and to be accomplished at-least twice a week. The existing systems for cleaning solar panels are time consuming and does not provide effective cleaning. Hence, there is a system for cleaning of solar panels and a method to operate the same which addresses the aforementioned issues.

[0009] OBJECTIVE OF THE INVENTION

[0010] An objective of the present invention is to provide a system for cleaning a solar panel automatically.

[0011] Another objective of the present invention is to provide effective cleaning of solar panel by sensing the dirt accumulation on the solar panel.

[0012] Yet, an objective of the present invention is to detect the dirt and clean the solar panel, hence saving power consumed during the cleaning.

[0013] BRIEF DESCRIPTION

[0014] In accordance with one embodiment of the disclosure, a system for cleaning of solar panels is provided. The system includes a dirt detection module, a cleaning assembly, a health monitoring unit, and a stopping mechanism. The dirt detection unit is operatively coupled with the solar panels. The dirt detection unit comprises a reference panel with a plurality of sensors to measure a power output. The dirt detection module is configured to calculate the power output from the reference panel and compares the power output with a power output of the solar panel for detecting the dust accumulation. The dirt detection module is also configured to detect the dust accumulation exceeding a threshold to activate the cleaning cycle. The cleaning assembly is operatively coupled with the dirt detection unit, the cleaning assembly includes a plurality of brushes, a plurality of limit switches, a plurality of showers, and a stopping mechanism. The plurality of brushes is affixed facing to a surface of the solar panel and adapted to move up and down on a surface of the solar panel via a belt assembly. The plurality of limit switches is adapted to sense the end of the solar panel and indicating the assembly to further move in the opposite direction, the plurality of showers is affixed at a periphery of the solar panel. The plurality of showers is adapted to spray water onto the solar panel surface for a predefined period. The health monitoring unit is operatively coupled to the cleaning assembly and a motor. The health monitoring unit is configured to monitor a current value of the motor continuously and classify the current value as one of a normal load condition, open load condition and overload condition wherein the open load condition and overload condition determines a defect. The health monitoring unit is configured to trigger an alert in response to detecting the defect. Further, the health monitoring unit is configured to halt the cleaning until the defect is resolved. The stopping mechanism is operatively coupled with the cleaning assembly. The stopping mechanism is adapted to stop the cleaning upon completing the cleaning cycle by the cleaning assembly.

[0015] In accordance with another embodiment a method for operating the system for cleaning of a solar panel is provided. The method includes coupling, a dirt detection unit with a solar panel, wherein the dirt detection unit is with a reference panel and a plurality of sensors to measure a power output. The method also includes calculating, by the dirt detection unit, the power output from the reference panel and compares the power output with a power output of the solar panel for detecting the dust accumulation. Further, the method includes detecting, by the dirt detection unit, the dust accumulation on the solar panel for exceeding threshold value to activate the cleaning cycle. Furthermore, the method includes moving, a plurality of brushes of a cleaning assembly, up and down on a surface of the solar panel via a belt assembly. Furthermore, the method includes sensing, by a plurality of limit switches of the cleaning assembly, the end of the solar panel and indicating the cleaning assembly to further move in a direction opposite to current direction. Furthermore, the method includes spraying, by a plurality of showers of the cleaning assembly, water onto the solar panel surface for a predefined period. The method includes monitoring, by a health monitoring unit, a current value of the motor continuously. The method includes classifying, by the health monitoring unit, the current value as one of a normal load condition, open load condition and overload condition wherein the open load condition and overload condition is determined as a defect. The method includes triggering, by the health monitoring unit, an alert in response to detecting the defect. The method includes halting, by the health monitoring unit, the cleaning until the defect is resolved. The method includes stopping, by a stopping mechanism of the cleaning assembly, the cleaning upon completing the cleaning cycle by the cleaning assembly.

[0016] To further clarify the advantages and features of the present disclosure, a more particular description of the disclosure will follow by reference to specific embodiments thereof, which are illustrated in the appended figures. It is to be appreciated that these figures depict only typical embodiments of the disclosure and are therefore not to be considered limiting in scope. The disclosure will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail with the appended figures.

[0017] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0018] The disclosure will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail with the accompanying figures in which:

[0019] FIG. 1 is a schematic representation of a system for cleaning solar panel in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0020] FIG. 2 is a schematic representation of a plurality of showers of FIG. 1 in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0021] FIG. 3 is a schematic representation of the system for cleaning solar panels depicting a plurality of optical sensors of FIG. 1 in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0022] FIG. 4a is a schematic representation of a plurality of solar panels arranges in a row of FIG. 1 in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0023] FIG. 4b is a schematic representation of a cleaning assembly of FIG. 1 in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure; and FIG. 5 is a flowchart representing steps involved in a method for operating a system for cleaning solar panels in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0024] Further, those skilled in the art will appreciate that elements in the figures are illustrated for simplicity and may not have necessarily been drawn to scale. Furthermore, in terms of the construction of the device, one or more components of the device may have been represented in the figures by conventional symbols, and the figures may show only those specific details that are pertinent to understanding the embodiments of the present disclosure so as not to obscure the figures with details that will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art having the benefit of the description herein.

[0025] DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0026] For the purpose of promoting an understanding of the principles of the disclosure, reference will now be made to the embodiment illustrated in the figures and specific language will be used to describe them. It will nevertheless be understood that no limitation of the scope of the disclosure is thereby intended. Such alterations and further modifications in the illustrated system, and such further applications of the principles of the disclosure as would normally occur to those skilled in the art are to be construed as being within the scope of the present disclosure.

[0027] The terms "comprises", "comprising", or any other variations thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process or method that comprises a list of steps does not include only those steps but may include other steps not expressly listed or inherent to such a process or method. Similarly, one or more devices or sub-systems or elements or structures or components preceded by "comprises... a" does not, without more constraints, preclude the existence of other devices, sub-systems, elements, structures, components, additional devices, additional sub-systems, additional elements, additional structures, or additional components. Appearances of the phrase "in an embodiment", "in another embodiment" and similar language throughout this specification may, but not necessarily do, all refer to the same embodiment.

[0028] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by those skilled in the art to which this disclosure belongs. The system, methods, and examples provided herein are only illustrative and not intended to be limiting.

[0029] In the following specification and the claims, reference will be made to a number of terms, which shall be defined to have the following meanings. The singular forms “a”, “an”, and “the” include plural references unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

[0030] Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a system for cleaning of solar panels. The system includes a dirt detection module, a cleaning assembly a health monitoring unit and a stopping mechanism. The dirt detection unit is operatively coupled with the solar panels. The dirt detection unit comprises a reference panel with a plurality of sensors to measure a power output. The dirt detection module is configured to calculate the power output from the reference panel and compares the power output with a power output of the solar panel for detecting the dust accumulation. The dirt detection module is also configured to detect the dust accumulation exceeding a threshold to activate the cleaning cycle. The cleaning assembly is operatively coupled with the dirt detection unit, the cleaning assembly includes a plurality of brushes, a plurality of limit switches, a plurality of showers, and a stopping mechanism. The plurality of brushes is affixed facing to a surface of the solar panel and adapted to move up and down on a surface of the solar panel via a belt assembly. The plurality of limit switches is adapted to sense the end of the solar panel and indicating the assembly to further move in the opposite direction, the plurality of showers is affixed at a periphery of the solar panel. The plurality of showers is adapted to spray water onto the solar panel surface for a predefined period. The health monitoring unit is operatively coupled to the cleaning assembly and a motor. The health monitoring unit is configured to monitor a current value of the motor continuously and classify the current value as one of a normal load condition, open load condition and overload condition wherein the open load condition and overload condition determines a defect. The health monitoring unit is configured to trigger an alert in response to detecting the defect. Further, the health monitoring unit is configured to halt the cleaning until the defect is resolved. The stopping mechanism is operatively coupled with the cleaning assembly. The stopping mechanism is adapted to stop the cleaning upon completing the cleaning cycle by the cleaning assembly.

[0031] FIG. 1 is a schematic representation of a system for cleaning solar panel in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. The system (100) includes a dirt collection unit (104), a cleaning assembly (106), a health monitoring unit (130), and a stopping mechanism (114).

[0032] The dirt detection unit (104) is operatively coupled with the solar panel (102). The dirt detection unit (104) includes a reference panel with a plurality of sensors to measure a power output. The dirt detection unit (104) is configured to calculate the power output from the reference panel and compares the power output with a power output of the solar panel (102) for detecting the dust accumulation. The dirt detection unit (104) is also configured to detect the dust accumulation on the solar panel (102) for exceeding threshold value to activate the cleaning cycle. For example, if two 6 inches * 6 inches solar panels are used for detecting dirt accumulation. One of the two solar panels is a reference solar panel, which may be cleaned before detecting the dirt. In one embodiment, the dirt threshold value of the second solar panel (102) is compared with the reference solar panel (102). In one embodiment, the difference between the two solar panel outputs may indicate the amount of dirt accumulation in the second solar panel (102).

[0033] The cleaning assembly (106) is operatively coupled with the dirt detection unit (104). The cleaning assembly (106) includes a plurality of brushes (108), a plurality of limit switches (110), and a plurality of showers (112). In one embodiment, the cleaning assembly (106) is attached to a built-in pulley (116) unit adapted to move the cleaning assembly (106). In one embodiment, the pulley (116) is operated by a direct current (DC) motor (124). In such an embodiment, the DC motor (124) is adapted to sense a ‘no load condition’, ‘a full load condition’ and ‘an overload condition’ . The no load condition indicates that the pulley timing belt has slipped or broken. The full load condition indicates that the pulley timing belt is in working state. The overload condition indicates that the DC motor (124) is jammed either due to internal breakdown or due to any jamming condition.

[0034] The plurality of brushes (108) is affixed facing to a surface of the solar panel (102) and adapted to move up and down on a surface of the solar panel (102) via a belt assembly. In one embodiment, the plurality of brushes (108) may be replaced on regular basis based on the number of cleaning cycles per month. For example, if the cleaning cycle is twice in a week, then the plurality of brushes (108) is used 2*4* 12= 96 times in a year. Thus, based on the wear and tear, the brush replacement period is calculated. In one embodiment, the system (100) notifies the user forbrush replacement.

[0035] The plurality of limit switches (110) is adapted to sense the end of the solar panel (102) and indicating the cleaning assembly (106) to further move in a direction opposite to current direction.

[0036] The plurality of showers (112) (shown in FIG. 2) is affixed at a periphery of the solar panel (102). The plurality of showers (112) is adapted to spray water onto the solar panel (102) surface for a predefined period.

[0037] The system (100) also includes a health monitoring unit (130) (not shown in FIG. 1), adapted to check the motor health. If the DC motor jamming has occurred due to problem of a plurality of gears, the motor health monitoring unit (130), measures the current flowing through the motor (128). Based on the difference between the current flowing through the DC motor and the current flowing through a plurality of valves, load on the motor is checked. In one embodiment, the load on the DC motor may be open load, normal-load, or overload. In one embodiment, the open load indicates the belt-pully is broken. The normal load indicates belt- pully is connected to the DC motor and operating normally. In one embodiment, the overload indicates either the belt-pully is jamming the DC motor, or the plurality of gears is jamming the motor. The over-load may also indicate the mechanical failure of the motor itself. In one embodiment, the health monitoring unit (130) may activate a notification to indicate the malfunctioning of the system (100). In one embodiment, the notification may be in the form of audio or visual. The stopping mechanism (114) is adapted to stop the cleaning till the reason of the malfunctioning of the system is resolved.

[0038] The stopping mechanism (114) (not shown in the FIG. 1) is operatively coupled with the cleaning assembly (106). The stopping mechanism (114) is adapted to stop the cleaning upon completing a predetermined number of cleaning cycles by the cleaning assembly (106). In one embodiment, the predetermined number of cleaning cycles is one.

[0039] In one embodiment, the system (100) includes an application based scheduled cleaning for solar panels (102). In another embodiment, the system (100) is able to clean the solar panels (102) at scheduled time using a real time chip and microcontroller. In some embodiments, the system (100) allows the user to reschedule the time of cleaning and frequency of cleaning. For example, if the user want to change the period of cleaning from once in a month to twice in a month, he can reschedule the frequency of cleaning the solar panel (102).

[0040] FIG. 2 is a schematic representation of a plurality of showers (112) of FIG. 1 in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. In one embodiment, the system (100) includes an electromagnetic solenoid valve (120) for controlling water spray on the solar panel (102). The electromagnetic solenoid valve (120) is adapted to open during cleaning time. In one embodiment, the cleaning assembly (106) is mounted on a rail and positioned at periphery of the solar panel (102). In another embodiment, the cleaning assembly (106) includes a plurality of bearings (122) adapted for smooth moving of a plurality of brushes (108). FIG. 3 is a schematic representation of the system for cleaning solar panels (102) depicting a plurality of optical sensors (118) of FIG. 1 in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. In one embodiment, the system (100) includes a plurality of optical sensors (118) adapted to detect end limits of the plurality of brushes (108) at an upper end (126a) and a lower end (126b) of the solar panel (102). In one embodiment, when the plurality of brushes (108) reaches to the upper end (126a) the optical sensor (118) detects the plurality of brushes (118). The optical sensors (118) sends the signal, and the limit switches change the direction of the plurality of brushes (118) to the lower end (126b).

[0041] FIG. 4a is a schematic representation of a plurality of solar panels (102) arranged in a row of FIG. 1 in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. In one embodiment, for multiple solar panels (102) that are arranged in a row can be cleaned using the system (100). In one embodiment two rails, a rail-1 (132) and a rail-2 (134) are positioned at front and back side of the plurality of solar panels arranged in a row.

[0042] FIG. 4b is a schematic representation of a cleaning assembly (106) of FIG. 1 in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. In one embodiment, the cleaning assembly (106) may be extended such that, the cleaning system is able to clean two or more solar panels (102) at the same time. In one embodiment, for working of the cleaning assembly (106), a high-power motor is fitted. In one embodiment, a plurality of wheels are positioned at a bottom portion of the cleaning assembly (106) for easy movement. In one embodiment, the cleaning assembly (106) moves on the rail-1 (132) and the rail-2 (134) to clean the solar panels (102) as per the schedule determined of scheduled cleaning of the solar panels (102).

[0043] FIG. 5 is a flow chart representing steps involved in a method (200) for operating the system for cleaning solar panel in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. The method (200) includes coupling, a dirt detection unit with a solar panel, wherein the dirt detection unit is with a reference panel and a plurality of sensors to measure a power output in step (202). The method (200) also includes calculating, by the dirt detection unit, the power output from the reference panel and compares the power output with a power output of the solar panel for detecting the dust accumulation in step (204).

[0044] Further, the method (200) includes detecting, by the dirt detection unit, the dust accumulation on the solar panel for exceeding threshold value to activate the cleaning cycle in step (206).

[0045] Furthermore, the method (200) includes moving, a plurality of brushes of a cleaning assembly, up and down on a surface of the solar panel via a belt assembly in step (208). The method (200) also includes detecting, end limits of the plurality of brushes at an upper end and a lower end of the solar panel by a plurality of optical sensors. The method also includes providing, a plurality of bearings for smooth moving of a plurality of brushes.

[0046] Furthermore, the method (200) includes sensing, by a plurality of limit switches of the cleaning assembly, the end of the solar panel and indicating the cleaning assembly to further move in a direction opposite to current direction in step (210).

[0047] Furthermore, the method (200) includes spraying, by a plurality of showers of the cleaning assembly, water onto the solar panel surface for a predefined period in step (212). The method also includes controlling, by an electromagnetic solenoid valve, the water spray on the solar panel, wherein the electromagnetic solenoid valve is adapted to open during cleaning time.

[0048] Furthermore, the method (200) includes monitoring, by a health monitoring unit, a current value of the motor continuously in step (214).

[0049] Furthermore, the method (200) includes classifying, by the health monitoring unit, the current value as one of a normal load condition, open load condition and overload condition wherein the open load condition and overload condition is determined as a defect in step (216). Furthermore, the method (200) includes triggering, by the health monitoring unit, an alert in response to detecting the defect in step (218).

[0050] Furthermore, the method (200) includes halting, by the health monitoring unit, the cleaning until the defect is resolved in step (220).

[0051] Furthermore, the method (200) includes stopping, by a stopping mechanism of the cleaning assembly, the cleaning in response to the cleaning assembly completing a predetermined number of cleaning cycles in step (222). In one embodiment, the predetermined number of cleaning cycles is one. In one embodiment, the DC motor may function incorrectly due to fault in the pully or a plurality of gears or due to fault in the motor. The method also includes stopping, the cleaning till the reason of the malfunctioning of the system is resolved.

[0052] The method also includes moving, the cleaning assembly by to a built-in pulley. The method also includes operating, the pully by a direct current (DC) motor. The method also includes cleaning, by an application based scheduled cleaning method for solar panels.

[0053] Various embodiments of the present disclosure provides a system for cleaning solar panel automatically. The system disclosed in the present disclosure provides a plurality of showers for automatic cleaning of solar panels. The system disclosed in the present disclosure enables easy cleaning of solar panels when the solar panels are large in numbers due installation of belt and pulleys. The dirt detection unit of the system disclosed in the present disclosure detects dirt and cleans the solar panel, hence saving power consumed during cleaning.

[0054] While specific language has been used to describe the disclosure, any limitations arising on account of the same are not intended. As would be apparent to a person skilled in the art, various working modifications may be made to the method in order to implement the inventive concept as taught herein. The figures and the foregoing description give examples of embodiments. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that one or more of the described elements may well be combined into a single functional element. Alternatively, certain elements may be split into multiple functional elements. Elements from one embodiment may be added to another embodiment. For example, order of processes described herein may be changed and are not limited to the manner described herein. Moreover, the actions of any flow diagram need not be implemented in the order shown; nor do all of the acts need to be necessarily performed. Also, those acts that are not dependent on other acts may be performed in parallel with the other acts. The scope of embodiments is by no means limited by these specific examples.

Claims

I CLAIM:

1. A system (100) for cleaning of a solar panel (102) comprising: a dirt detection unit (104) operatively coupled with the solar panel (102), wherein the dirt detection unit (104) comprises a reference panel with a plurality of sensors to measure a power output, wherein the dirt detection unit (104) is configured to: calculate the power output from the reference panel and compare the power output with a power output of the solar panel (102) for detecting dust accumulation; and detect the dust accumulation on the solar panel (102) in response to the power output exceeding a threshold value to activate a cleaning cycle; a cleaning assembly (106) operatively coupled with the dirt detection unit (104), wherein the cleaning assembly (106) comprises: a plurality of brushes (108) affixed facing to a surface of the solar panel (102) and adapted to move up and down on a surface of the solar panel (102) via a belt assembly; and a plurality of limit switches (110) adapted to sense the end of the solar panel (102) and indicating the cleaning assembly (106) to further move in a direction opposite to a current direction; a plurality of showers (112) affixed at a periphery of the solar panel (102), wherein the plurality of showers (112) is adapted to spray water onto the solar panel (102) surface for a predefined period; and a health monitoring unit (130) operatively coupled to the cleaning assembly (106) and a motor (128), wherein the health monitoring unit (130) is configured to:monitor a current value of the motor (128) continuously; classify the current value as one of a normal load condition, open load condition and overload condition wherein the open load condition and overload condition is determined as a defect; trigger an alert in response to detecting the defect; and halt the cleaning until the defect is resolved; a stopping mechanism (114) operatively coupled with the cleaning assembly (106), wherein the stopping mechanism (114) is adapted to stop the cleaning in response to the cleaning assembly (106) completing a predetermined number of cleaning cycles.

2. The system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the cleaning assembly (106) is attached to a built-in pulley (116) adapted to move the cleaning assembly (106).

3. The system (100) as claimed in claim 2, wherein the built-in pulley (116) is operated by a direct current motor (124).

4. The system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the stopping mechanism (114) comprises a plurality of optical sensors (118) adapted to detect end limits of the plurality of brushes (108) at an upper end (126a) and a lower end (126b) of the solar panel (102).

5. The system (100) as claimed in claim 1, comprises an electromagnetic solenoid valve (120) for controlling water spray on the solar panel (102), wherein the electromagnetic solenoid valve (120) is adapted to open during cleaning time.

6. The system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the cleaning assembly (106) is mounted on a rail and positioned at periphery of the solar panel (102).

7. The system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the cleaning assembly (106) comprises a plurality of bearings (122) adapted for smooth moving of a plurality of brushes (108).

8. The system (100) as claimed in claim 1, comprises an application based scheduled cleaning for the solar panel (102).

9. A method (200) for operating the system for cleaning of a solar panel comprising: coupling, a dirt detection unit with a solar panel, wherein the dirt detection unit is with a reference panel and a plurality of sensors to measure a power output; (202) calculating, by the dirt detection unit, the power output from the reference panel and compares the power output with a power output of the solar panel for detecting the dust accumulation; (204) detecting, by the dirt detection unit, the dust accumulation on the solar panel in response to the power output exceeding a threshold value to activate the cleaning cycle; (206) moving, a plurality of brushes of a cleaning assembly, up and down on a surface of the solar panel via a belt assembly; (208) sensing, by a plurality of limit switches of the cleaning assembly, the end of the solar panel and indicating the cleaning assembly to further move in a direction opposite to current direction; (210) spraying, by a plurality of showers of the cleaning assembly, water onto the solar panel surface for a predefined period; (212) monitoring, by a health monitoring unit, a current value of the motor continuously; (214)classifying, by the health monitoring unit, the current value as one of a normal load condition, open load condition and overload condition wherein the open load condition and overload condition is determined as a defect; (216) triggering, by the health monitoring unit, an alert in response to detecting the defect; (218) halting, by the health monitoring unit, the cleaning until the defect is resolved; (220) and stopping, by a stopping mechanism of the cleaning assembly, the cleaning in response to the cleaning assembly completing a predetermined number of cleaning cycles. (222)

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