Solar installation comprising a cleaning system, and cleaning method

Abstract

The invention relates to a solar installation (1) comprising a set of photovoltaic panels (PV) placed side-by-side along a slope, comprising multiple photovoltaic panels side-by-side and extending in a first direction (X1), down the slope, and multiple panels extending side-by-side at a single height and in a second direction (X2), and a cleaning system (2) comprising: • - a brushing unit (20), able to move on the photovoltaic panels of the inclined slope in the first direction (X1) and in the second direction (X2), comprising a chassis (21) and a rotary brush (22) • - a drive device (23) configured to move the brushing unit in the first direction (X1) down the slope and in the second direction (X2) and comprising at least one anchoring system (24) arranged at the top of the inclined slope, and at least one cable (Ca).

Description

Description Title: Solar installation including a cleaning system and cleaning process

[0001] This disclosure relates to a solar installation comprising an array of juxtaposed photovoltaic panels arranged along a slope, including several juxtaposed photovoltaic panels extending in one direction along the slope, and several panels extending juxtaposed at the same height in a second direction, and a cleaning system configured for cleaning the photovoltaic panels.

[0002] This disclosure is further related to a cleaning process that utilizes a facility as described in this disclosure. technical field

[0003] This disclosure relates to the field of cleaning systems, comprising a brush configured to provide motorized brushing cleaning of photovoltaic panels, particularly on roofs, with the photovoltaic panels extending along a slope inclined relative to the horizontal.

[0004] The technical field is more specifically cleaning systems with motorized brush movement, allowing a cleaning cycle to be implemented without operator intervention on the panel surface, or even without operator intervention on site. Previous technique

[0005] A preliminary state of the art involves a cleaning robot with a motorized, rotating brush mounted on a chassis and a means of movement typically consisting of motorized tracks designed to travel across the surface of the panels. Such a robot is remotely controlled by an operator to guide its movement across the surface of the photovoltaic panels.

[0006] The primary drawback of such a remote-controlled cleaning system is that it always requires an operator to position the robot on the surface of the photovoltaic panel (usually remotely controlled) and then remove it after cleaning. Another limitation of this technology is its suitability for cleaning photovoltaic panels inclined at a moderate angle, typically around 25° to 30°. Beyond a certain angle, the friction between the tracks and the panel surface is insufficient, and the tracks slip on the panels.

[0007] A second prior art relates to removable cleaning equipment comprising a first frame and a second frame equipped with a motorized, rotating brush mounted on the first frame. The first frame extends along the entire length of the panels in the direction of the slope and is configured to move across the surface of the panels, guided against the upper and lower edges of the panels. Such a prior art is, for example, described in document FR3135315.

[0008] Such a system according to this second state of the art is only suitable when the size of the surface to be cleaned along the direction of the slope is not too large, otherwise a first frame of a particularly large size, expensive to manufacture, would be required.

[0009] Such a state-of-the-art solution is costly when the surface area of ​​panels to be cleaned is large. Another drawback of this state-of-the-art solution is that such equipment must be removed after cleaning, otherwise it will obstruct sunlight reaching the photovoltaic panels and affect their efficiency.

[0010] A third state of the art is to equip a motorized platform with a long arm fitted with a motorized brush head, which is controlled by the operator on the platform.

[0011] In general, motorized cleaning systems according to the first and second, or third state of the art mentioned above always require the presence of an operator for the implementation of the cleanings, at least for their placement on the surface of the panels, then their removal, or even to guide the cleaning operators when the presence of the operator is required. Summary

[0012] This disclosure improves the situation.

[0013] A solar installation is proposed comprising a set of juxtaposed photovoltaic panels, arranged along a slope, including several juxtaposed photovoltaic panels extending in one direction along the slope, and several panels extending juxtaposed at the same height in a second direction, and a cleaning system comprising: - a brushing unit, mobile on the photovoltaic panels of the inclined slope along the first direction and along the second direction, comprising a chassis, a rotating brush, and a motor configured for the rotational drive of the brush, said brushing unit configured to scrub a surface of the photovoltaic panels, - a drive device configured for moving said brushing unit, in the first direction along the slope, and in the second direction, comprising at least one anchoring system arranged at a high point of the inclined slope, and at least one flexible link, such as a cable connecting the anchoring system to said brushing unit, and at least one motorized winch configured for winding said at least one flexible link, said drive device configured to ensure the downward movement of the brushing unit along the slope during the unwinding of said at least one flexible link by said at least one winch, in particular under the action of gravity on said brushing unit and / or under the action of a driving force from the brush, and configured to ensure the upward movement of said brushing unit during the winding of said at least one flexible link, in particular said at least one cable,by the said winch at least.

[0014] The features described in the following paragraphs may optionally be implemented, independently of each other or in combination with each other:

[0015] According to one embodiment, said brushing unit includes rolling elements, such as casters, configured to roll on a surface of the photovoltaic panels while ensuring stability of said brushing unit on the surface of the photovoltaic panels.

[0016] According to one embodiment, said brushing unit has at least two said brushes, in particular cylindrical (or even more), configured to be in simultaneous support, in particular by two generators of the cylindrical brushes, not aligned, in order to ensure the stability of the brushing unit on the surface of the photovoltaic panels.

[0017] The two cylindrical brushes can have axes of rotation parallel or inclined relative to each other.

[0018] According to this disclosure, the brushing unit is configured to move across the surface of the panels, rolling or rubbing / gliding, during cleaning. The cleaning system lacks a guide rail between the brushing unit and the photovoltaic panels. The brushing unit is not guided in the first direction by a rail of the installation, so the cleaning system is compatible with large panel lengths and surfaces in the first direction.

[0019] In particular, said brushing unit is free to change direction on the surface of the photovoltaic panels, configured to rotate under the action of said at least one flexible link and / or under the action of the friction of its brushes, in particular along an axis of rotation passing through the brushing unit and orthogonal to the first direction and the second direction.

[0020] According to one embodiment, the driving force of the brush or brushes can be configured to ensure the movement of the brushing unit downhill along the slope during the unwinding of said at least one flexible link by said at least one winch.

[0021] Utilizing driving force by rotating the brushes so that the resultant force of the brush(s) pulls the brush unit downwards. This force ensures tension on the flexible link, even when gravity alone is insufficient to move the brush unit downwards, particularly when the slope of the photovoltaic surfaces in the first direction is shallow (less than 15°).

[0022] According to one embodiment, the anchoring system comprises a guide rail (see several parallel rails) anchored at said high point of the inclined slope, and a motorized trolley configured to move on the guide rail while being guided by the guide rail in the second direction, and wherein said at least one flexible link connects said trolley and said brushing unit, said at least one winch mounted on the trolley, or said winch mounted on said brushing unit.

[0023] According to one embodiment, said at least one flexible link is a single cable which connects the trolley to said brushing unit, in particular via a lifting beam system.

[0024] In one embodiment, said at least one flexible connection comprises a first cable and a second cable, parallel to each other, connecting respectively the carriage and the chassis of said brushing unit, at two distant points on the chassis of said brushing unit. In one embodiment, the carriage can be configured to support said brushing unit when said brushing unit is in the raised position under the winding of said at least one flexible connection. When said brushing unit is supported by the carriage, said brushing unit is no longer resting on the photovoltaic panels of the installation, and does not interfere with the electrical production efficiency.

[0025] In one configuration, the trolley may have a parking platform designed to extend beyond the upper surface of the photovoltaic panels. The parking platform is configured to allow the brush unit to move upwards under the pull of the winch from the upper surface of the panels to a storage position on the parking platform. The brush unit's movement from the surface of the photovoltaic panels to the parking platform is achieved by the cable pulling under the winch winding, which causes the brush unit to rise.The passage of said brushing unit from the surface of the parking platform to the photovoltaic panels is achieved by unwinding the winch, possibly if the platform is inclined according to the slope of the panels, or even by actuating the brush(s) whose resultant force on the platform moves said brushing unit in the direction of exit.

[0026] In one embodiment, the trolley may include a cover overhanging the parking platform. This cover or roof is configured to protect the brush unit, in the stored position, from the elements. Optionally, this cover may be formed by a photovoltaic panel that can be used to recharge a battery of the trolley, or even to recharge a battery of the brush unit. In yet another embodiment, the trolley's battery may be recharged when the trolley moves to a predetermined position on the guide rail, for example, at the end of its travel, to connect to a static electrical charging station. This electrical charging station may be connected to the electrical grid, or may include one or more photovoltaic panels.

[0027] In one embodiment, an electrical connection can be arranged on a rear wall of the parking platform. This electrical connection is configured to connect electrically to an electrical connection of the brushing unit to provide power to the brushing unit when said unit is in the raised position under the pulling action of the winch. This electrical connection allows the battery of said brushing unit to be recharged when the two connections are coupled to each other.

[0028] According to one embodiment, the side guide walls or lateral guides can be arranged relative to each other in a converging profile to ensure centering of the brushing unit relative to the parking platform during cable winding. These side walls (or lateral guides) are configured to guide the lateral sides of The brushing unit is centered on the parking platform. This centering is essential to ensure proper electrical connection between the two electrical connectors belonging to the trolley and the brushing unit.

[0029] In one embodiment, the assembly of PV photovoltaic panels inclined along the slope forms a first assembly of photovoltaic panels inclined along a first slope, the installation having a second assembly of photovoltaic panels inclined along a second slope, opposite to the first slope. In such an embodiment with two assemblies of double-sloped photovoltaic panels, the guide rail extends lengthwise at a vertex of the structure formed by the first assembly of photovoltaic panels and the second assembly of photovoltaic panels, an upper longitudinal edge of the first assembly of photovoltaic panels and an upper longitudinal edge of the second assembly of panels being juxtaposed.Typically, said guide rail is double and has a first rail attached to the upper longitudinal edge of the first set of photovoltaic panels, and a second rail attached to the upper longitudinal edge of the second set of photovoltaic panels.

[0030] Advantageously, the trolley parking platform extends: - on one side of the parking platform, the upper longitudinal edge of the first set of photovoltaic panels - on a second side of the parking platform, the upper longitudinal edge of the second set of panels.

[0031] The brushing unit is then configured to travel across the parking platform from the first set of panels to the second set of panels to clean the photovoltaic panels of the second set. This is achieved through the action of a drive device configured to move the brushing unit down the second slope during the unwinding of at least one flexible link by at least one winch, under the action of gravity on the brushing unit. The device is also configured to move the brushing unit upwards during the winding of at least one flexible link by the winch.

[0032] According to this embodiment, the parking platform advantageously allows the same brush unit to clean the surface of the panels of the first set when said brush unit moves across their surface along the first slope, and the surface of the panels of the second set when said brush unit moves along the second slope. The parking platform thus provides not only a parking function, but also a gateway function, allowing said brush unit to move from the first slope to the second slope, and vice versa.

[0033] According to another embodiment, the trolley includes a coupling and lifting mechanism configured for: - to removably couple said brushing unit to the trolley when said unit is positioned in a high position on the inclined slope by at least one flexible link, - lift said coupled brushing unit into a high position in order to detach said brushing unit from the surface of the photovoltaic panels.

[0034] According to a second aspect, this disclosure relates to a cleaning process implemented by a solar installation as described in this disclosure, which includes a cleaning cycle comprising: / A / set the brush or brushes of said brushing unit to motorized rotation in order to scrub the surface of the photovoltaic panels and simultaneously, / B / move said brushing unit over the surface of the photovoltaic panels, at least in the first direction up or down, at least by winding or unwinding said at least one flexible link by said at least one winch.

[0035] According to one embodiment of the process, it is provided in / B / that said brushing unit is moved which includes a movement comprising a component along the first direction and a component along the second direction, the movement obtained by winding or unwinding said at least one flexible link by said at least one winch and by a movement of the carriage along said at least one guide rail.

[0036] Where appropriate / B / is implemented by alternating the descent and ascent of said brushing unit, while the trolley is moved in one direction along the direction of the guide rail, in order to clean all or part of the surface of said photovoltaic panel assembly.

[0037] According to one variant, the method may provide, in / B / , for moving said brushing unit, in the first direction downwards and then upwards, by unwinding and then winding said at least one flexible link, by actuating said at least one winch, while the carriage is in a fixed position on the guide rail and in / B / is followed by: - / C / couple the brushing unit to the coupling and lifting mechanism, and lift the brushing unit in order to detach said brushing unit from the surface of the photovoltaic panels, - / D / move the trolley and said brushing unit coupled to the trolley, said brushing unit detached from the surface of the photovoltaic panels, along the second direction.

[0038] According to one embodiment, steps / B / , / C / , / D / are repeated, by moving the trolley in a direction of the rail in order to clean all or part of the surface of said photovoltaic panel assembly.

[0039] According to one embodiment, said installation may include, in / B / , moving said brushing unit, along the first direction X1 downwards and then upwards, by unwinding and then winding said at least one flexible link, in particular, said at least one cable, by actuation of said at least one winch, while the carriage is in a fixed position on the guide rail, and in / B / is followed by: - / C1 / support said brushing unit on the trolley in the raised position of the brushing unit 20 under the action of the winch winding - / D1 / move the trolley and said brushing unit then supported by the trolley, said brushing unit outside the surface of the photovoltaic panels, along the second direction X2.

[0040] According to one embodiment, steps / B / , / C1 / , / D1 / are repeated, by moving the trolley in a direction of the rail in order to clean all or part of the surface of said photovoltaic panel assembly.

[0041] According to another embodiment of said installation, the anchoring system may include a first anchor point, and a second anchor point, in two positions separated at high points of the inclined slope, said at least a flexible link comprising a first cable connecting said brushing unit to the first anchor point, and a second cable connecting said brushing unit to the second anchor point, and in which said at least a winch comprising a first winch for winding and unwinding the first cable, and a second winch for winding and unwinding the second cable.

[0042] This disclosure relates to a cleaning process implemented by said facility, which has a cleaning cycle comprising: / A1 / rotation of the brush of said brushing unit and simultaneously, / B1 / move said brushing unit, in the first direction up or down, and / or in the second direction by winding / unwinding the first cable and in particular simultaneously winding / unwinding the second cable.

[0043] Generally, the cleaning system of said installation is permanently installed on said set of photovoltaic panels, said anchoring system always connected to said brushing unit by said at least one flexible connection, and in which, at the end of the cleaning cycle, the process provides for the control of the movement device to move said brushing unit into a determined parking position, the parking position preferably freeing the surface of the photovoltaic panels, for example, the parking position being a position in which the brushing unit is coupled to the trolley and lifted by the coupling and lifting mechanism, or the parking position being a position on the parking platform when said trolley is equipped with the parking platform, or the parking position is a position of said brushing unit on a support separate from the photovoltaic panels,for example, around the perimeter of photovoltaic panels.

[0044] According to one embodiment, said installation may have at least one control unit CU comprising a processor, memory and instructions configured to cooperate with the processor and memory to ensure the implementation of the cleaning process according to this disclosure.

[0045] According to one embodiment, the installation may include a rain sensor. In such a case, the control unit is configured to trigger the implementation of the cleaning cycle according to the cleaning process described in this disclosure, upon detection of a signal from the rain sensor, representative of rain detection.

[0046] In one embodiment, the installation may include the brushing unit and / or the drive device comprising one or more batteries, specifically recharged by electricity from the photovoltaic panels of the photovoltaic panel array. Alternatively, the cleaning system, in particular the brushing unit, or even the trolley, may have one or more panels separate from those of the array, for recharging the batteries. In yet another possibility, the batteries may be recharged by connection to an electrical network.

[0047] According to one embodiment, said installation may include a water spray ramp, in particular at the top of the inclined slope, or at the intersections between photovoltaic panels, said ramp being equipped with at least one solenoid valve, and in which said control unit is configured to trigger the implementation of the cleaning cycle of the cleaning process according to this disclosure, by triggering said solenoid valve in an open position ensuring the spraying of the photovoltaic panels of the inclined slope.

[0048] According to one embodiment, said set of photovoltaic panels is associated with a fouling detection device or even associated with several fouling detection devices for photovoltaic panels associated respectively with subsets of panels.

[0049] The fouling detection device generates a fouling signal or said fouling detection devices generate several fouling signals associated with the different panel sub-assemblies.

[0050] The instructions are configured to cooperate with the processor and memory to: - compare the fouling signal(s) from the fouling detection device(s) with one or more fouling thresholds, - to control said brushing unit in the first direction and the second direction in order to ensure the cleaning of the photovoltaic panels when the fouling signal exceeds the fouling threshold, or to control said brushing unit in the first direction and the second direction in order to ensure the cleaning of the photovoltaic panels of the sub-assemblies, when the fouling signals of the sub-assemblies exceed the fouling thresholds respectively.

[0051] According to one embodiment, said fouling detection device arranged on the trolley may include: - a first photovoltaic cell arranged on the parking platform, the first cell configured to be cleaned by the brushing unit each time the brushing unit is moved on the parking platform during a cleaning cycle, - a second photovoltaic cell configured to become dirty without being cleaned by the brushing unit, for example arranged on the cover.

[0052] According to one embodiment, the cleaning cycle is triggered when the difference between the signal from the first cell and the signal from the second cell falls below a threshold or again when the ratio between the signal of the first cell and the ratio of the second cell falls below a threshold.

[0053] According to one embodiment, said brushing unit extending lengthwise along a longitudinal direction intended to be horizontal during cleaning, includes a measuring means such as an inclinometer or a gyroscope configured to measure an inclination of the longitudinal direction of said brushing unit with respect to the horizontal and generate an inclination signal, and in which said control unit presents the inclination signal as input, and in particular the instructions include instructions configured to command the drive device to restore a horizontal position of said brushing unit when the inclination signal is greater than a threshold value.

[0054] Restoring horizontality can be achieved, for example: - by controlling in a differentiated manner a first motor and a second motor respectively ensuring the winding / unwinding of the first cable or the second cable, when said at least one flexible link has two cables, and / or - by controlling the brushes of said brushing unit in a differentiated manner, when said brushing unit has several brushes, in particular brushes arranged in a non-parallel manner to each other.

[0055] According to one embodiment, said installation includes one or more peripheral sensors configured to detect an overshoot of said brushing unit outside the peripheral limits of the surface of the photovoltaic panels, generating one or more peripheral detection signals and in particular the instructions include instructions configured to stop the movement of the brushing unit.

[0056] According to one embodiment, said brushing unit includes a location beacon, for example GPS. Brief description of the drawings

[0057] Other features, details, and advantages will become apparent upon reading the detailed description below and analyzing the attached drawings, on which: Fig. 1

[0058] [Fig. 1] is a view of a solar installation comprising a set of photovoltaic panels arranged on a slope, inclined relative to the horizontal, comprising a first direction oriented along the slope, and a second orthogonal direction, substantially horizontal, as well as a cleaning system according to a first embodiment whose anchoring system comprises a guide rail, oriented lengthwise along the second direction, permanently anchored on a structure attached to the support of the photovoltaic panels, and a trolley movable along the guide rail, the trolley carrying a motorized winch for a single cable, ensuring the suspension of a brushing unit, movable on the surface of the photovoltaic panels, under the action of the winch and the trolley. Fig. 1a

[0059] [Fig. 1 a] is a schematic view of the installation according to figure 1. Fig. 2

[0060] [Fig. 2] is a detail view of the motorized trolley of the installation in Figure 1 which includes the motorized winch, and a rain sensor connected to a control unit. Fig. 3

[0061] [Fig. 3] is a detail view of said brushing unit which includes a chassis, a rotating cylindrical brush, and a motor for the rotational actuation of the brush, said brushing unit being self-supporting, with casters provided to ensure stable movement of the brushing unit over the surface of the photovoltaic panels. Fig. 4

[0062] [Fig. 4] is a schematic view of the trajectory of said brushing unit, under the action of the carriage and the winch, the movement of said brushing unit comprising, on the ascent or descent, a component along the first direction, and a component along the second direction. A sequence of a cleaning cycle may include, alternately, an ascent and descent of the brushing unit, by winding said at least one cable, followed by unwinding said at least one cable, while the carriage is moved in one direction along the guide rail, in order to allow cleaning of all or part of the surface of the photovoltaic panels. Fig. 5

[0063] [Fig. 5] is a view of an installation, according to a second embodiment comprising an anchoring system including the guide rail along which the motorized trolley is configured to move in the second direction, the motorized trolley including a coupling and lifting mechanism including two arms, movable from the trolley, allowing coupling of said brushing unit, in a high position of said brushing unit on the slope, and then lifting of said brushing unit, then mounted on the trolley in order to detach said brushing unit from the surface of the photovoltaic panels. Fig. 6

[0064] [Fig. 6] is a schematic view of the trajectory of said brushing unit, under the action of the trolley and the winch, made possible by the coupling and lifting mechanism, the movement of said brushing unit comprising a sequence including a descent of said brushing unit, followed by an ascent of said brushing unit, substantially along the first direction of the slope, and while the trolley is static, then after coupling and lifting of said brushing unit, a movement of the assembly of the trolley and brushing unit coupled to the trolley along the second direction; the sequence being renewed to ensure the cleaning of all the photovoltaic panels of said assembly. Fig. 7

[0065] [Fig. 7] is a schematic view of an installation according to a third embodiment whose anchoring system comprises a guide rail and a trolley, said brushing unit being connected to the trolley by two parallel cables, comprising a first cable and a second cable, the trolley carrying a first winch for winding the first cable and a second winch for winding the second cable, the trolley being movable along the second direction of the guide rail, in a first direction by pulling a third cable operated by a third winch of the trolley and in a second direction by pulling a fourth cable operated by a fourth winch of the trolley. Fig. 8

[0066] [Fig. 8] is a view of an electrical diagram of the trolley in Figure 7. Fig. 9

[0067] [Fig. 9] is a schematic view of a fourth embodiment of said solar installation, the anchoring system of which comprises a first anchor point and a second anchor point in two positions apart at high points of the inclined slope, said at least one cable comprising a first cable connecting said brushing unit to the first anchor point and a second cable connecting said brushing unit to the second anchor point, said at least one winch comprising a first winch for winding and unwinding the first cable and a second winch for winding and unwinding the second cable. Fig. 10

[0068] [Fig. 10] is seen in perspective of a possible embodiment having two cylindrical pins, inclined to each other in a chevron pattern, ensuring stable support of the brushing unit by two supports of the brushes along two generatrices of the cylindrical brushes, the two segments formed respectively by the two brushes forming two sides of the same length of an isosceles triangle, said brushing unit connected to a single cable connecting the chassis of said brushing unit at the level of the apex of the isosceles triangle common to the two sides of the same length. Fig. 10a

[0069] [Fig. 10a] is a bottom view of figure 10a. Fig. 11

[0070] [Fig. 11] is a view of a variant of the brushing unit featuring the two chevron brushes, the angle of the apex of the triangle adjustable on an adjustment bar connecting the other two vertices of the triangle, the cable intended to retain the brushing unit connected to said common vertex, oriented in nominal position along the median of the triangle passing the vertex. Fig. 12

[0071] [Fig. 12] is a view of the brushing unit showing two brushes, parallel to each other, with the cable intended to connect the brushing unit oriented in its nominal position substantially perpendicular to the brushes, the brushing unit notably features an electrical connection. Fig. 13

[0072] [Fig. 13] is a view of the trolley which includes the parking platform, and a cover high above the parking platform intended to protect the brushing unit when the latter is positioned on the parking platform, protected by the cover, the cover formed by a photovoltaic panel intended to recharge a battery of the trolley. Fig. 13a

[0073] [Fig. 13a] is a view of the trolley once the cover has been removed, the parking platform fully visible, the side walls being convergent so as to ensure centering of the self-guided vehicle on the parking platform when, during cable winding, an electrical connector arranged on the bottom wall, configured to connect electrically to the electrical connector of the brushing unit, at the end of winding. Fig. 14

[0074] [Fig. 14] is a view of the installation when the brushing unit is connected by two cables to the winch of the trolley, when said brushing unit is on the surface of the photovoltaic panels outside the parking platform. Fig. 15

[0075] [Fig. 15] is a side view of the installation when said brushing unit is in the parking position on the parking platform, protected from the weather by the cover, the parking platform inclined following the slope of the photovoltaic panels. Fig. 16

[0076] [Fig. 16] is a view of an installation featuring

[0077] Description of the implementation methods

[0078] This disclosure relates to said Solar Installation 1 comprising an array of juxtaposed photovoltaic PV panels, arranged, preferably coplanarly, along a slope. Said array of panels comprises several juxtaposed photovoltaic panels, typically coplanar, extending along a first direction X1, along the slope, and several panels extending juxtaposed at the same height, preferably coplanar, along a second direction X2.

[0079] The slope can typically be, but not limited to, an inclination greater than or equal to 5°, or even typically greater than or equal to 10° relative to the horizontal and typically up to 45°.

[0080] The cleaning system 2 comprises a brushing unit 20, movable on the photovoltaic PV panels of the inclined slope. The brushing unit 20 can move in the first direction X1 and in the second direction X2 to clean the photovoltaic panels of the assembly. The brushing unit comprises a frame 21, a rotating brush 22, and a motor M20 configured for rotating the brush 22. The motor M20 is typically an electric motor. The brushing unit 20 can include several brushes 2a and 2b. The brushes 2a and 2b can be driven by independent motors, or by a single motor and transmission.

[0081] The brushing unit 20 may include a control unit, in particular a first control unit, typically comprising a microprocessor and memory, for controlling the electric motor. The control unit typically includes a communication module, preferably wireless, configured to receive instructions from a remote control device, and enabling the activation or deactivation of the rotation of the brush(s). The communication module may also allow the transmission of information to the remote control device, such as, for example, location data of the brushing unit, when the brushing unit is equipped with a location beacon, for example, a GPS beacon, or information from peripheral detection sensors.

[0082] A cover 201, attached to the chassis, can be placed over the brush 22 or brushes 22a, 22A, and, in order to prevent splashing, on the side opposite the surface of the photovoltaic panel to the brush. This cover also provides protection for the internal components of the brushing unit (electronics, motors, etc.).

[0083] The brushing unit 20 typically has its own source of electrical power, typically a battery preferably rechargeable for powering the M20 motor (or motors) and the control unit.

[0084] The brush (or each brush) may be cylindrical, that is, comprising a rotating cylindrical shaft supporting bristles, preferably radial, extending lengthwise and around the circumference of the cylinder. The frame may comprise a structure with longitudinal members and cross members, the longitudinal members extending on either side of the brush parallel to the brush's axis of rotation. The cylindrical brush 22 may be articulated at its ends to the two cross members of the frame. The brushing unit 20 extends along a longitudinal direction "d", in particular along the axis of the cylindrical brush.

[0085] The brushing unit 20 is configured to scrub the surface of photovoltaic panels to clean them by rotating the brush(s). The brushing unit, comprising the chassis, the brush(s), the motor, and possibly the battery and the control unit, forms a self-supporting assembly.

[0086] The installation further includes a motorized drive device 23, configured for moving said brushing unit 20, along the first direction X1 along the slope, and along the second direction X2, comprising at least one anchoring system 24 arranged at a point top of the inclined slope, and at least one flexible connection, such as a cable Ca linking the anchoring system 24 to said brushing unit 20.

[0087] By cable Ca, we mean a flexible connection ensuring a flexible mechanical connection, between the drive device 23 and the brushing unit, and whatever the nature of the connection, in particular formed of a set of fibers, metallic, synthetic, or vegetable, and whatever the form of the connection, namely in the form of a strand of wires, or in the form of a strip etc....

[0088] Generally speaking, a flexible joint primarily serves as a mechanical connection. It may also perform other functions such as: - a function for conducting electrical power, for example for supplying power to the M20 brush motor, and / or a wired connection function for data transfer, particularly digital data, and / or - a flexible driving function for a cleaning fluid, for example to supply the brushing unit with water sprayed onto the brush and / or the panels.

[0089] The drive device 23 includes at least one winch TR, powered by at least one winch motor MTR configured for winding said at least one flexible link, in particular said at least one cable Ca, said drive device being configured to ensure the movement of the brushing unit 20 downhill and uphill along the slope.

[0090] The unwinding of said at least one flexible link, in particular said at least one cable Ca, by said at least one winch TR, ensures, particularly under the action of gravity on said brushing unit 20, the descent of said brushing unit. The descent and unwinding of said at least one flexible link can be assisted by actuating the brush in a direction of rotation configured so that the friction of the brush on the photovoltaic panels is driving and ensures tensioning of said at least one flexible link. Conversely, the winding of said at least one cable by said at least one winch causes said brushing unit 20 to ascend.

[0091] The brushing unit 20 may include rolling elements, such as rollers Ro, configured to roll on a surface of the photovoltaic PV panels, ensuring the stability of the brushing unit on the surface of the photovoltaic panels. The stability of the brushing unit on the surface of the photovoltaic panels may be further ensured by at least two brushes simultaneously bearing on the surface of the panels, and for example, at least two cylindrical brushes supported by two generatrices of the cylindrical brushes. The first cylindrical brush 22a and the second brush 22b may be inclined in a chevron configuration, for example, as shown in Figures 10 and 10a, or as shown in Figure 11.The two brushes 22a and 22b can be independently motorized to laterally drive the brushing unit to the left or right by operating the two brushes at different rotational speeds, or to change the orientation of the brushing unit. In a stable position, both brushes can be driven at the same rotational speed so that the resulting friction on the photovoltaic panels pulls the flexible link downwards.

[0092] The brush unit 20 is configured to move across the surface of the photovoltaic panels by rolling and / or rubbing. The cleaning system advantageously lacks a guide rail between the brush unit 20 and the PV panels. This unguided design of the brush unit significantly reduces the cost of the cleaning system by eliminating the need for expensive guide rails that follow the slope. In other words, the connection between the anchoring system 24 and at least one brush unit 20 is made via a flexible link; in particular, this cable is flexible (not rigid) when the brush unit rubs the surface of the panels.

[0093] In particular, such a design advantageously allows said brushing unit to move freely on the surface of the panels, under the action of said at least one flexible connection, in particular said at least one cable, namely that said brushing unit 20 can be configured to change direction on the surface of the photovoltaic panels, in particular configured to rotate under the action of said at least one cable, in particular about an axis of rotation passing through the frame and orthogonal to the first direction X1 and the second direction X2. The change of direction (rotation) can also be achieved, for a brushing unit with several brushes, by a differential in the rotational speeds between the brushes, in particular when the brushes are non-parallel, for example arranged in a chevron pattern.Such a design of said brushing unit 20 permits a movement of said brushing unit along a velocity vector comprising a (non-zero) component along the first direction X1, and a (non-zero) component along the second direction.

[0094] According to this disclosure, the anchoring system 24 comprises a guide rail 240 anchored at said high point of the inclined slope, and a motorized trolley 241 configured to move on the guide rail 240, being guided by the guide rail along the second direction X2. The guide rail may be simple (having a single rail) or double, namely having a first rail and a second rail parallel to the first rail.

[0095] The guide rail preferably extends to a high point of a structure supporting the photovoltaic panels. For example, when the structure is a roof or covering, the guide rail can be anchored at a high point such as the ridge. Said at least cable Ca connects said carriage 241 and said brushing unit 20, said at least one winch Tr being mounted on the carriage 241 (illustrated embodiment), or said at least winch TR being mounted on said brushing unit 20 (unillustrated embodiment).

[0096] One such embodiment is illustrated, but not limited to, by different embodiments in figures 1 to 8.

[0097] In general, the anchoring system may include at least one MC motor for moving the carriage 241 along the guide rail 240 in a first direction, as well as in a second direction. The MC motor for moving the carriage 241 may be mounted on the carriage to ensure movement along the guide rail 240, for example by rotating one or more wheels of the carriage, or a pinion engaging with a rack, or by driving traction cables, as illustrated in Figures 7 and 8. Alternatively, the Motors can be fixed, for example driving trolley traction cables for moving the trolley in the first and second directions.

[0098] In general, the 241 trolley can carry a control unit (CU) which typically includes a processor, memory, and instructions configured to activate, as appropriate: - said at least one winch Tr for raising or lowering said brushing unit, in particular when mounted on the trolley, and / or -said at least one MC motor ensuring the movement of the carriage 241 along the guide rail 240, to ensure the movement of the carriage 241, in a first direction and in a second direction, on the guide rail 240, when said at least one MC motor is mounted on the carriage.

[0099] An encoder attached to the winch can make it possible to know the winding or unwinding level of said cable (or more generally of said flexible link) and in order to estimate the position of said brushing unit 20, along the slope, along the first direction X1. An encoder of the motor(s) ensuring the movement of the carriage can make it possible to know the position of the carriage along the guide rail.

[0100] In general, said control unit CU may include a communication module configured to transmit information from the remote control device, such as a server, to said control unit, and / or, for example, transmit instructions from the remote control device to the communication module for the implementation of a cleaning cycle by activating said at least winch, or the motor(s) ensuring the movement of the trolley along the guide rail.

[0101] The communication module can also allow the transmission of information from the communication module, and to the remote control device, in particular remote server, such as the position signals of the encoders of at least one winch and / or the position signals of the encoder(s) of the carriage motor(s) in order to know the position of the carriage on the rail, or even to estimate the position of said brushing unit 20, along the first direction X1.

[0102] According to one embodiment, said at least one flexible link, in particular said at least one cable Ca, is a single cable which connects the carriage 241 to said brushing unit 20, in particular via a lifting beam system 200. The single cable connects said brushing unit 20 to the carriage 241 in operation, said cable Ca extending substantially, on average, perpendicularly to the longitudinal direction d of said brushing unit 20.

[0103] The lifting beam 200 connects a lower terminal end of said cable Ca to an attachment position Pa, said end typically centered along the length of said brushing unit, such that the attachment point is typically contained in a median plane of said brushing unit, perpendicular to the longitudinal direction d of said brushing unit. The lifting beam may comprise at least two arms connecting the attachment point Pa to the frame of said unit, at two points spaced apart along the length of the frame, and typically symmetrically with respect to the median plane.

[0104] The function of the spreader bar is to distribute the tensile forces of the then single cable Ca on the chassis of said brushing unit, in order to maintain a balanced position of said brushing unit 40, namely by maintaining the longitudinal direction "d" of said brushing unit 20 substantially horizontal, as much as possible, or even close to horizontal typically at plus or minus 30° relative to the horizontal, due to possible fluctuations in inclination of said brushing unit, unguided on the panels.

[0105] According to another embodiment, said at least one flexible link, in particular said at least one cable Ca comprises a first cable Ca1 and a second cable Ca2, parallel to each other, connecting respectively the carriage 240 and the chassis 21 of said brushing unit 20, at two distant points on the chassis 21 of said brushing unit 20, along the longitudinal direction of said chassis.

[0106] The two cables Ca1 and Ca2 ensure a balanced position of the brushing unit 40, namely by maintaining the longitudinal direction d of the brushing unit 20 substantially horizontal, as close to horizontal as possible, typically at an angle of ±30° to the horizontal. The at least one motor MTR may comprise a first motor M1 controlling the winding / unwinding of the first cable Ca1 and a second, independent motor M2 controlling the winding / unwinding of the second cable Ca2.

[0107] The control unit is configured to control the first motor M1 and the second motor M2 to ensure the ascent and descent of the brush unit 20 along the slope. When the brush unit can be equipped with a measuring device such as an inclinometer or a gyroscope configured to measure the inclination of the longitudinal direction d of the brush unit relative to the horizontal and generate a tilt signal, the control unit can control the first motor M1 and the second motor M2 according to the tilt signal. The control may consist of independently controlling the first motor M1 and the second motor M2 to restore the horizontal position of the brush unit during ascent and / or descent.

[0108] Alternatively, the first cal cable and the second ca2 cable can be wound on the same winding shaft, under the action of a single motor.

[0109] A cable guide device, illustrated by way of non-limiting example in Figure 17, may have a first cable guide G1 configured to guide the winding of the first cable on the winding shaft and a second cable guide G2 configured to guide the winding of the second cable on the same winding shaft.

[0110] The first guide G1 and the second guide G2 are motor-movable along sections of the winding shaft to ensure homogeneous winding of the first and second cables.

[0111] According to one embodiment, the carriage 241 can be configured to support said brushing unit (when said brushing unit is in the raised position) under the winding of said au less a flexible connection. Such an embodiment is illustrated in Figure 5 according to a first mode, or also in Figures 13 to 15

[0112] According to one embodiment, the trolley 241 may include a coupling and lifting mechanism 242 configured for: - to removably couple said brushing unit 20 to the trolley 241 when said at least one flexible link (in particular said at least cable Ca) positions said brushing unit 20 in a high position on the inclined slope, - lift said coupled brushing unit 20 into a high position in order to detach said brushing unit from the surface of the photovoltaic panels.

[0113] The trolley control unit is configured to provide control of at least one actuator of the coupling and lifting mechanism 22.

[0114] One such embodiment is illustrated in Figure 5, with, in particular, two arms of the lifting mechanism 242 configured, in a first arm position, to couple the brushing unit when it is mounted at the end of its upper travel on the slope. Lifting the arms to a second position allows the brushing unit to be raised to a higher position on the trolley 241. This lifting mechanism allows the brushing unit to be parked on the trolley outside of cleaning cycles, and preferably in a position that does not obstruct sunlight reaching any of the photovoltaic panels. To this end, the trolley and the brushing unit mounted on it can be moved simultaneously along the guide rail to an extreme position that minimizes the risk of obstructing sunlight reaching the photovoltaic panels.

[0115] Another advantage of the coupling and lifting mechanism is to allow movement of said brushing unit, along the second direction X2, avoiding contact between the panels and said brushing unit, during movements along the second direction X2, and in particular according to a cleaning cycle, described below for which said brushing unit 20 is configured to brush the surface of PV photovoltaic panels, along several trajectories, parallel to each other, extending along the first direction X1.

[0116] According to another embodiment, the trolley 241 has a parking platform 243 configured to extend as an extension of the upper photovoltaic panels of said photovoltaic panel assembly, the parking platform being configured to allow the brush unit 20 to move upwards under the action of the winch traction from the upper surface of the panels to a storage position of said brush unit 20 on said parking platform 243.

[0117] One such embodiment is illustrated in several variations in figures 13 to 16.

[0118] According to one variant, the parking platform is inclined following the slope of the entire photovoltaic panel array and as illustrated as examples in figures 13 and 15.

[0119] According to one embodiment, a cover 244 can overhang the parking platform 243, the cover being configured to protect said brushing unit 20 in said storage position. In other words, the space between the cover and the parking platform forms a garage for said brushing unit.

[0120] Side guide walls 245, 246 can be arranged relative to each other in a converging profile so as to ensure centering of the brushing unit relative to the parking platform when winding the cable.

[0121] An electrical connection 247, on a bottom wall, can be configured to couple to an electrical connection 25 of the brushing unit to ensure a power supply to the brushing unit, when said brushing unit 20 is in the raised position under the pulling action of the winch.

[0122] According to an embodiment illustrated in Figure 16, said set of PV photovoltaic panels inclined along the slope forms a first set of E1 PV photovoltaic panels inclined along a first slope, and said installation presents a second set of E2PV photovoltaic panels inclined along a second slope, opposite to the first slope.

[0123] According to one embodiment, said guide rail 240 extends lengthwise at the level of a vertex of the structure formed by the first set of photovoltaic panels and the second set of photovoltaic panels.

[0124] The upper longitudinal edge of the first E1 PV photovoltaic panel array and the upper longitudinal edge of the second array are positioned side by side. The guide rail is typically double, with one rail adjacent to the longitudinal edge of the first array of photovoltaic panels and a second rail adjacent to the longitudinal edge of the second array of photovoltaic panels.

[0125] The parking platform 243 of trolley 241 extends: - on one side of the parking platform, the upper longitudinal edge of the first set of E1 PV panels, - on a second side of the parking platform 243, the upper longitudinal edge of the second set of E1 PV panels.

[0126] The brushing unit 20 is configured to pass through the parking platform 243 to move from the first set of E1 PV panels to the second set of E2PV panels.

[0127] The parking platform 243 not only has a function for parking the brush unit, but also a gateway function to allow the transfer of the brush unit 20 from the first set of E1 PV photovoltaic panels to the second set of photovoltaic panels.

[0128] The cleaning system and its brushing unit ensure the cleaning of the photovoltaic panels of the second assembly under the action of said drive device, which is configured to move the brushing unit 20 downhill along the second slope during the unwinding of said system (at least one flexible link via said winch TR), under the action of gravity on said brushing unit 2), and is configured for the ascent. of said brushing unit 20 during the winding of said at least one flexible link by said at least winch. From the parking position, the brushing unit can be moved either towards said first set of inclined panels along the first slope, by actuating the brush(s) in a first direction of rotation, or towards said second set of inclined panels along the second slope, by actuating the brush(s) in a second direction of rotation;

[0129] This disclosure further relates to a cleaning process implemented by a solar installation 1 according to this disclosure, having a cleaning cycle comprising: / A / motorized rotation of the brush 22 or the brushes 22a and 22b of said brushing unit 20 in order to scrub the surface of the photovoltaic panels and simultaneously, / B / move said brushing unit 20 over the surface of the photovoltaic panels, at least in the first direction X1 up and / or down, at least by winding or unwinding said at least one flexible link, in particular said at least one cable, by said at least one winch TR.

[0130] According to an embodiment of the method implementing the anchoring system 24 comprising said guide rail 240 and said carriage 241 movable along the guide rail, said method may provide, in / B / , moving said brushing unit 20 along a displacement comprising a component along the first direction X1 and a component along the second direction X2, the displacement obtained in particular by winding or unwinding said at least one flexible link, in particular said at least one cable, by said at least one winch, and by a movement of the carriage 241 along said at least one guide rail.

[0131] Such an embodiment is schematically illustrated in Figure 2. Said at least one MTR motor of said at least one winch and the MC motor for the movement of the carriage can be operated simultaneously, or sequentially, to ensure the trajectory of said brushing unit 20 along a direction comprising the non-zero component along the first direction X1 and the non-zero component along the second direction X2.

[0132] According to one embodiment of the process, illustrated in Figure 4, / B / can be implemented by alternating the descent and ascent of said brushing unit 20, while the carriage 241 is moved in a direction along the guide rail 240, in order to clean all or part of the surface of said PV photovoltaic panel assembly. The gap along the second direction X2, between a consecutive descending and ascending trajectory of said brushing unit, is preferably less than the length dimension of said brushing unit, and in order to obtain brushing overlap between the two consecutive descending and ascending trajectories.

[0133] According to one embodiment of the method, implementing the coupling and lifting mechanism, the method may include in / B / , moving said brushing unit, along the first direction X1 downwards and then upwards, by unwinding and then winding said at least one cable, by actuating said at least one winch, and while the carriage 241 is in a fixed position on the guide rail 240 and in which / B / is followed by: - / C / couple the brushing unit to the coupling and lifting mechanism 242, and lift the brushing unit 20 in order to detach said brushing unit 20 from the surface of the photovoltaic panels, - / D / move the trolley and said brushing unit coupled to the trolley, said brushing unit detached from the surface of the photovoltaic panels, along the second direction X2.

[0134] At the end of / D / , the lifting and hoisting mechanism 242 is lowered, in order to place said brushing unit on the surface of the panels.

[0135] According to one embodiment, schematically illustrated in Figure 6, steps / B / , / C / , / D / are repeated by moving the carriage along the rail to clean all or part of the surface of the PV panel assembly. The movement in / D / is typically a step smaller than the length of the brush unit 20. Overlap of the brushing can be ensured between two consecutive brush trajectories separated by the step size in / D / .

[0136] According to another embodiment, the method may include, in / B / , moving said brushing unit, along the first direction X1 downwards and then upwards, by unwinding and then winding said at least one flexible link, in particular, said at least one cable, by actuating said at least one winch, while the carriage 241 is in a fixed position on the guide rail 240 and in which / B / is followed by: - / C1 / to support said brushing unit on the trolley in the raised position of the brushing unit 20 under the action of the winch winding, in particular said brushing unit 20 loaded on the parking platform 243, - / D1 / move the trolley and said brushing unit then supported by the trolley, said brushing unit being from then on outside the surface of the photovoltaic panels, along the second direction X2.

[0137] According to another embodiment illustrated in particular in figure 9, the anchoring system 24 comprises a first anchor point PAC1, and a second anchor point PAC2, in two positions apart at high points of the inclined slope, said at least one flexible link, in particular said at least one cable Ca, comprising a first cable Ca1 connecting said brushing unit 20 to the first anchor point PAC1, and a second cable Ca2 connecting said brushing unit 20 to the second anchor point PAC2.

[0138] Said at least one winch comprising a first winch TR1 for winding and unwinding the first cable Ca1, and a second winch TR2 for winding and unwinding the second cable Ca2. The first winch TR1, driven by a first motor, may be arranged at the first anchor point PCA1, and the second winch TR2, driven by a second motor, may be arranged at the second anchor point PAC2. Alternatively, the first and second winches may be mounted on said brushing unit.

[0139] A control unit is configured to command the positioning of said brushing unit 20 on the surface of the PV photovoltaic panels, along the first direction X1, and following the second direction X2, by controlling the length of the first cable via the first winch TR1 and controlling the length of the second cable via the second winch TR2.

[0140] Such an embodiment allows the implementation of a process with a cleaning cycle comprising: / A1 / rotation of the brush 22 of said brushing unit 20 and simultaneously, / B1 / move said brushing unit 20, in the first direction X up or down, and / or in the second direction X2 by winding / unwinding the first cable Ca1 and simultaneously winding / unwinding the second cable Ca2.

[0141] The two winch motors (first and second) can be operated simultaneously, or sequentially, to ensure the trajectory of said brushing unit 20 along a direction having a non-zero component along the first direction X1 and a non-zero component along the second direction X2. In general, such an embodiment allows the brushing unit to be moved against gravity by the traction of the first and second winches, the descent of the brushing unit being obtained in particular by gravity, or even aided by the friction of the rotating brush 22, which drives the brushing unit downwards.

[0142] It should be noted that this embodiment also allows for the cleaning of photovoltaic panels on low slopes, or even on flat slopes, and unlike the previous embodiment, by providing at least a third cable connecting the brushing unit to a third anchor point and associated with a third winch, or even a fourth cable connecting the brushing unit to a fourth anchor point and associated with a fourth winch. Only in this embodiment can the third and fourth winches be controlled in opposition to the first and second winches, meaning that at least some of the winches (first, second, and third, or even fourth) operate in winding mode, while the others operate in unwinding mode.

[0143] According to one embodiment of the process, the cleaning system of said installation is permanently installed on said set of photovoltaic panels, namely that said anchoring system 23 is always linked to said brushing unit 20 by said at least one cable Ca.

[0144] The term "permanently installed" means that the anchoring system is always fixed to the structure supporting the photovoltaic panel assembly, and the brushing unit 20 is always connected to the anchoring structure 23 by at least one cable Ca (or more generally, at least one flexible connection), particularly to the trolley, once a cleaning cycle has been carried out. In other words, the cleaning system is not dismantled to allow for multiple cleaning cycles during all or part of the lifespan of the panel assembly.

[0145] Generally speaking, the structure can be a roof and / or covering, of a building such as a house, a warehouse...

[0146] According to one embodiment, at the end of the cleaning cycle the process provides for the control of the displacement device 23 to move said brushing unit 22 into a parking position PS, preferably determined.

[0147] The PS parking position can preferably be a position freeing up the surface of the photovoltaic panels, and in particular so as not to obstruct the sunlight on the photovoltaic panels, by a shadow generated by the brushing unit.

[0148] According to one embodiment, the parking position PS can be a position in which the brushing unit is coupled to the trolley 241 and lifted by the coupling and lifting mechanism 242 when the installation includes such a lifting mechanism on the trolley. Such an embodiment is illustrated in Figure 5. The parking position PS of the trolley can also be the position of the brushing unit on the parking platform 243 of the trolley 241, particularly according to the embodiments shown in Figures 13 to 16.

[0149] The PS parking position can still be obtained by a separate support from the photovoltaic panels, for example on the periphery of the photovoltaic panels on which said brushing unit can be moved by said at least cable.

[0150] In general, said installation may have at least one control unit CU comprising a processor, memory and instructions configured to cooperate with the processor and memory to ensure the implementation of the cleaning process, and in particular steps / A / , / B / , and where applicable / C / and / D / , or / C1 / and / D1 / , or even to ensure the movement of said brushing unit to the parking position PS.

[0151] Said at least one control unit UC may include a first control unit mounted on the chassis of said brushing unit, and a second control unit mounted on the trolley 241.

[0152] The first control unit is configured to control the M20 motor to ensure the rotational drive of the brush 22.

[0153] The second control unit can be configured to control: - said at least one MTR winch motor, when said at least one TR winch is mounted on the trolley, to ensure the descent and / or ascent of said brushing unit, - said at least one MC trolley motor, when the latter is mounted on the trolley, to ensure said movement of the trolley 241, along the rail, in the second direction X2, and / or, where applicable - at least one actuator of said coupling and lifting mechanism 242, configured, after coupling, to lift said brushing unit.

[0154] In an installation according to the embodiment, in particular of Figure 9 comprising the first anchor point PAC1 and the second anchor point PAC2, said installation may have a control unit comprising a processor, a memory and instructions configured to cooperate with the processor and the memory to ensure the implementation of the cleaning process, and in particular the steps / A1 / and / B1 / , and / or to automatically move said brushing unit to said parking position PS.

[0155] In general, the cleaning cycle is automated. No operator presence is required during the cleaning cycle, particularly to control the trajectory of the brushing unit during a cleaning cycle. Conversely, the control unit's instructions include guidance instructions to ensure the unit moves automatically across the panel surface.

[0156] In one embodiment, a cleaning cycle can be initiated via a user interface. The user interface can be a remote control, particularly a specific one. Alternatively, the user interface can be a smartphone with a downloaded application. The smartphone can use the Wi-Fi network to communicate with one of the wireless communication modules integrated into the system, such as the communication module of the first control unit mounted on the brush unit 20, or the communication module of the second control unit mounted on the trolley.

[0157] In general, the first control unit and the second control unit can communicate with each other to exchange information, and in particular to relay command instructions from the WIFI.

[0158] According to another advantageous embodiment, the implementation of a cleaning cycle can be triggered automatically, advantageously without human intervention, at the moment of triggering.

[0159] According to one embodiment, said installation may include a CPL rain sensor, for example mounted on the trolley 241 in Figure 1, and in which said control unit is configured to trigger the implementation of a cleaning cycle according to steps / A / , / B / , or even / C / and / D / , or / C1 / and / D1 / or even according to / A1 / and / B1 / , upon detection of a signal from the rain sensor, representative of the detection of rainwater.

[0160] Such an embodiment is advantageous in that said installation can ensure cleaning of the surface of photovoltaic panels, even when said installation is devoid of a water spraying system, which typically includes pipes and pumps, for implementation.

[0161] According to an alternative, the triggering of the cleaning process can be obtained by a signal from a weather station, obtained by the communication module of the control unit, informing the control unit of the rain.

[0162] According to one possible embodiment, said installation may have a water spray ramp, in particular at the top of the inclined slope, equipped with at least one solenoid valve, and in which said control unit is configured to trigger the implementation of the cleaning cycle of the cleaning process in particular according to / A / , / B / , or even / C / , / D / , or even / C1 / / D1 / or / A1 / and / B1 / , by triggering said solenoid valve (or several solenoid valves) in an open position ensuring the spraying of the photovoltaic panels of the inclined slope.

[0163] This design allows for panel cleaning even when there is no rain. An automatic cleaning cycle can then be triggered, even in the absence of rain.

[0164] According to one embodiment, said set of photovoltaic panels is associated with a fouling detection device or even associated with several fouling detection devices for photovoltaic panels associated respectively with subsets of panels.

[0165] The fouling detection device generates a fouling signal or said fouling detection devices generate several fouling signals associated with the different panel sub-assemblies.

[0166] The instructions are configured to cooperate with the processor and memory to: / E / Compare the fouling signal(s) from the fouling detection device(s) with one or more fouling thresholds, / F / to control said brushing unit in the first direction X1 and the second direction X2 in order to ensure the cleaning of the photovoltaic panels when the fouling signal exceeds the fouling threshold, or to control said brushing unit in the first direction X1 and the second direction X2 in order to ensure the cleaning of the photovoltaic panels of the sub-assemblies, when the fouling signals of the sub-assemblies exceed the fouling thresholds respectively.

[0167] The fouling detection device can be an accessory, external to the photovoltaic panels of the said assembly to be cleaned, for example, the ARES station from the company Fracsun® which includes two small solar panels allowing fouling detection.

[0168] According to another advantageous embodiment, the fouling detection device can be obtained by two production measurements (for example obtained by ammeters) associated with two photovoltaic panels of the photovoltaic panel set, namely panels which can be cleaned by the system according to this disclosure, namely a first production measurement MES1 on at least one first panel which is regularly cleaned periodically by the brushing unit, for example every day or week, and considered clean (not fouled), and by a second measurement MES2 on another panel of said set which is cleaned only when the fouling threshold is exceeded according to / F / .

[0169] The fouling signal can be, for example, a ratio, namely the ratio MES1 / MES2, which is greater than or equal to 1. The threshold value is a constant strictly greater than 1, for example 1.2.

[0170] This method of implementing detection devices using the photovoltaic panels of the assembly to be cleaned has the advantage of allowing the panels of said assembly to be divided into several sub-assemblies. The various soiling detection devices are associated with at least two panels from each of the different sub-assemblies, thus triggering cleaning of the panels in each sub-assembly only when soiling is detected. In other words, the panels in sub-assemblies whose soiling is below the threshold are not cleaned.

[0171] This embodiment also has the advantage of being able to collect the gains in electrical production from the panels of said assembly which can be attributed to the cleaning of the brushing unit.

[0172] This embodiment allows for the implementation of a cleaning cycle when soiling of a panel subset is detected, thus cleaning the panels only when necessary, with the aim of saving energy. Such a trigger can be combined with rainwater detection, particularly when the installation lacks a sprinkler system, or with control of a solenoid valve when equipped with a sprinkler system.

[0173] According to a degraded embodiment, and in particular for small-scale solar installations, a single measurement signal can be associated with the production of all the panels in the assembly and compared to a fouling threshold value.

[0174] According to one embodiment, said fouling detection device is arranged on the trolley 241 and comprises ( : - a first photovoltaic cell cel 1 on the parking platform 243 configured to be cleaned by the brushing unit 20 at each cleaning cycle when said brushing unit is moved on the parking platform 243, - a second photovoltaic cell cel 2 configured to become dirty without being cleaned by the brushing unit.

[0175] The cleaning cycle is triggered when the difference between the signal of the first cell and the second cell falls below a threshold, or when the ratio between the signal of the first cell and the ratio of the second cell falls below a threshold.

[0176]

[0177] In general, said installation may include one or more peripheral sensors configured to detect an overshoot of said brushing unit outside the peripheral limits of the surface of the photovoltaic panels.

[0178] The sensors can be mechanical, for example, comprising a peripheral cable which, when energized by contact with the brushing unit, triggers a switch. The sensor can also be optical.

[0179] The peripheral sensors generate one or more peripheral detection signals and in particular the instructions may include instructions configured to stop the movement of the brush unit, or even configured to move said brush unit backward in a direction and sense towards the center of the panels of the assembly. Industrial application

[0180] The said solar installation, including its cleaning system, offers all or some of the following advantages, compared to the state of the art presented in the introduction: - a cleaning system that is permanently installed on the photovoltaic system, not requiring, for each cleaning cycle, the installation of the system and its removal at the end of the cycle, - a cleaning system, which allows a cleaning cycle to be triggered, advantageously without the presence of an operator, for example by automatic triggering of the cycle, caused by the control unit, when conditions are met, alone or in combination, such as for example, detection of rain by a rain sensor, periodic deadline determined by a control unit, determination of a drop in the efficiency of the photovoltaic panels, in particular a fouling threshold reached... - a low-cost solar installation requiring minimal structural elements on the photovoltaic panels, in particular, for example, no guide rails following the direction of the slope, - a low-cost installation, in particular at least according to one embodiment, said installation being able to ensure the cleaning of the panels, using only rainwater as a brushing fluid, and therefore without requiring the addition of a water spraying system, - a low energy cost installation, at least according to one embodiment, in that the triggering of a cleaning cycle can be conditional on a determination of a drop in performance of all the panels (at one or more fouling thresholds), or even a determination of a drop in performance of all or part of a subset of the panels, allowing energy expenditure for cleaning only when necessary, or even advantageously only for the subsets of panels affected by the drop in performance, - an installation that can be upgraded, for example by adding a water spraying system, for example if in use, the cleaning cycles using rainwater alone prove insufficient. Reference list

[0181] 1. Solar installation, 2. Cleaning system, 20. Brushing unit, 21. Chassis (Brushing Unit), 22. Brush (rotary), 23. Training device, 24. Anchoring system, 25. Electrical connections (power supply to the brushing unit, in particular the battery) 240. Guide rail, 241. Chariot, 242. Coupling and lifting mechanism (figure 5), 243. Parking platform, 244. Roofing (in particular photovoltaic panels), 245. 246. Lateral guide walls (centering) 247. Electrical connector (for charging the brushing unit) MTR. Winch motor, MC. Trolley motor, M20. Motor (brush rotation drive), M1, M2, M3, M4. First, second, third and fourth winch, PV. Photovoltaic panels, X1. First direction (slope) X2. Second direction (slope), That. At least one cable, Ca1. First cable, Ca2. Second cable, PAC1. First attachment point, PAC2. Second anchor point, P.S. Parking positioning, Ro. Roulettes, TR. At least one winch, TR1, TR2. First and second winches, UC. Control unit, X1, X2. First direction and second direction.

Claims

Demands

1. Solar installation (1) comprising an array of juxtaposed photovoltaic (PV) panels arranged along a slope, comprising several juxtaposed photovoltaic panels extending in a first direction (X1), along the slope, and several panels extending juxtaposed at the same height, in a second direction (X2), and a cleaning system (2) comprising: - a brushing unit (20), movable on the photovoltaic panels of the inclined slope along the first direction (X1) and along the second direction (X2), comprising a frame (21), a rotating brush (22; 22a, 22b), and a motor (M20) configured for the rotational drive of the brush, said brushing unit (20) configured to scrub a surface of the photovoltaic panels, - a drive device (23) configured for moving said brushing unit, in the first direction (X1) along the slope, and in the second direction (X2), comprising at least one anchoring system (24) arranged at a high point of the inclined slope, and at least one flexible link, such as a cable (Ca), connecting the anchoring system (24) to said brushing unit (20), and at least one motorized winch (TR) configured for winding said at least one flexible link, said drive device configured to ensure the movement of the brushing unit (20) downhill along the slope during the unwinding of said at least one flexible link by said at least one winch (TR),under the action of gravity on said brushing unit (20) and configured for the ascent of said brushing unit (20) during the winding of said at least one flexible link by said at least one winch and wherein said brushing unit (20) is configured to move on the surface of the panels in particular by rolling or rubbing on the surface of the panels, during cleaning, the cleaning system lacking a guide rail between said brushing unit (20) and the photovoltaic (PV) panels...,

2. Solar installation according to claim 1, wherein said brushing unit (20) comprises rolling elements (Ro), in particular rollers, configured to roll on a surface of the photovoltaic (PV) panels ensuring stability of said brushing unit on the surface of the photovoltaic panels.

3. Installation according to claim 1 in which said brushing unit (20) has at least two said cylindrical brushes (22), configured to be in simultaneous support by two generatrices of the cylindrical brushes (22), the cylindrical brushes not aligned, in order to ensure the stability of the brushing unit on the surface of the photovoltaic panels.

4. Solar installation according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein said brushing unit is free to change direction on the surface of the photovoltaic panels, configured to rotate under an action of said at least one cable, in particular along an axis of rotation passing through the brushing unit and orthogonal to the first direction (X1) and the second direction (X2).

5. An installation according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the driving force of the brush (22) or brushes (22a, 22b) is configured to ensure the movement of the brushing unit (20) downhill along the slope during the unwinding of said at least one flexible link by said at least one winch (TR).

6. Solar installation according to any one of claims 1 to 5 wherein the anchoring system (24) comprises a guide rail (240) anchored at said high point of the inclined slope, and a trolley (241), motorized configured to move on the guide rail while being guided by the guide rail in the second direction (X2), and wherein said at least one flexible link, in particular said at least one cable (Ca), connects said trolley (241) and said brushing unit (20), said at least one winch mounted on the trolley (241), or said winch mounted on said brushing unit (20).

7. Solar installation according to claim 6, wherein said at least one flexible link is a single cable (Ca) which connects the trolley (241) to said brushing unit (20), in particular via a lifting beam system (200).

8. Installation according to claim 6, wherein said at least one flexible link comprises a first cable (Ca1) and a second cable (Ca2), parallel to each other, connecting respectively the carriage (240) and the chassis (21) of said brushing unit (20), at two distant points on the chassis (21) of said brushing unit (20).

9. Installation according to any one of claims 6 to 8, wherein the trolley (241) is configured to support said brushing unit (20) when said brushing unit (20) is in the raised position under the winding of said at least one flexible link.

10. Installation according to claim 9, wherein the trolley (241) has a parking platform (243) configured to extend in line with the upper photovoltaic panels of said photovoltaic panel assembly, the parking platform being configured to allow the brush unit (20) to move upwards under the action of winch traction from the upper surface of the panels to a storage position of said brush unit (20) on said parking platform (243).

11. Installation according to claim 10, wherein the trolley (241) comprises all or part of the following equipment: - a cover (244) overhanging the parking platform (243), configured to protect said brush unit (20) in said storage position, and / or - side guide walls (245, 246) arranged relative to each other in a converging profile to ensure centering of the brushing unit relative to the parking platform during cable winding, and / or - an electrical connection (247), on a bottom wall, configured to couple to an electrical connection (25) of the brushing unit to ensure a power supply to the brushing unit, when said brushing unit (20) is in the raised position under the pulling action of the winch.

12. An installation according to claim 10 or 11, wherein said array of photovoltaic (PV) panels inclined along the slope forms a first array of photovoltaic panels (E1 PV) inclined along a first slope, said installation having a second array of photovoltaic panels (E2PV) inclined along a second slope, opposite to the first slope, said guide rail (240) typically double extending lengthwise at a vertex of the structure formed by the first array of photovoltaic panels and the second array of photovoltaic panels, an upper longitudinal edge of the first array of photovoltaic panels (E1 PV) and an upper longitudinal edge of the second array of panels being juxtaposed, and wherein the parking platform (243) of the trolley (241) extends: - on one side, the upper longitudinal edge of the first set of panels (E1 PV), - on a second side, the upper longitudinal edge of the second set of panels (E1 PV) and in which the brushing unit (20) is configured to pass through the parking platform (243) to move from the first set of panels (E1 PV) to the second set of panels to ensure the cleaning of the photovoltaic panels of the second set under the action of said drive device configured to ensure the downward movement of the brushing unit (20) along the second slope during the unwinding of said at least one flexible link by said at least one winch (TR), under the action of gravity on said brushing unit (20) and configured for the upward movement of said brushing unit (20) during the winding of said at least one flexible link by said at least one winch

13. Installation according to claim 9 comprising a coupling and lifting mechanism (242) configured for: - to removably couple said brushing unit (20) to the trolley (241) when said at least cable (Ca) positions said brushing unit (20) in a high position on the inclined slope, - lift said coupled brushing unit (20) into a high position in order to detach said brushing unit from the surface of the photovoltaic panels.

14. A cleaning method implemented by a solar installation (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 13, having a cleaning cycle comprising: / A / set the brush (22) or brushes (22a, 22b) of said brushing unit (20) to motorized rotation in order to scrub the surface of the photovoltaic panels and simultaneously, / B / move said brushing unit (20) over the surface of the photovoltaic panels, at least in the first direction (X1) up or down, at least by winding or unwinding said at least one flexible link, in particular said at least one cable, by said at least one winch (TR).

15. A cleaning method according to claim 14 employing an installation according to claim 4 in combination with any one of claims 5 to 13; and wherein in / B / moving said brushing unit (20) comprises a movement having a component along the first direction (X1) and a component along the second direction (X2), the movement being obtained by winding or unwinding said at least one link flexible, in particular said at least cable, by said at least one winch and by a movement of the trolley (241) along said at least guide rail.

16. Method according to claim 15, wherein / B / is implemented by alternating the descent and ascent of said brushing unit (20), while the trolley (241) is moved in a direction along the direction of the guide rail (240), in order to clean all or part of the surface of said photovoltaic (PV) panel assembly.

17. A cleaning method according to claim 14 implementing said installation according to claim 13, comprising, in / B / , moving said brushing unit, in the first direction (X1) downwards and then upwards, by unwinding and then winding said at least one flexible link, in particular, said at least one cable, by actuating said at least one winch, while the carriage (241) is in a fixed position on the guide rail (240) and in which / B / is followed by: - / C / couple the brushing unit to the coupling and lifting mechanism, and lift the brushing unit (20) in order to detach said brushing unit (20) from the surface of the photovoltaic panels, - / D / move the trolley and said brushing unit coupled to the trolley, said brushing unit being detached from the surface of the photovoltaic panels, along the second direction (X2).

18. A cleaning method according to claim 14 implementing said installation according to claims 9 to 12, comprising, in / B / , moving said brushing unit, in the first direction (X1) downwards and then upwards, by unwinding and then winding said at least one flexible link, in particular, said at least one cable, by actuating said at least one winch, while the carriage (241) is in a fixed position on the guide rail (240) and in which / B / is followed by: - / C1 / support said brushing unit on the carriage in the raised position of the brushing unit (20) under the action of the winch winding - / D1 / move the trolley and said brushing unit supported by the trolley, said brushing unit outside the surface of the photovoltaic panels, along the second direction (X2).

19. A method according to claim 17 or 18, wherein steps / B / , / C / , / D / or / B / , / C1 / , / D1 / are repeated, by moving the trolley in a direction of the rail in order to clean all or part of the surface of said photovoltaic (PV) panel assembly.

20. An installation according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the anchoring system (24) comprises a first anchor point (PAC1) and a second anchor point (PAC2) in two positions separated by distances at high points on the inclined slope, wherein said at least one flexible link, in particular said at least one cable (Ca), comprising a first cable (Ca1) connecting said brushing unit (20) to the first anchor point (PAC1), and a second cable (Ca2) connecting said brushing unit (20) to the second anchor point (PAC2), and wherein said at least one winch comprising a first winch (TR1) for winding and unwinding the first cable (Ca1), and a second winch (TR2) for winding and unwinding the second cable (Ca2).

21. A cleaning method implemented by an installation according to claim 20, having a cleaning cycle comprising: / A1 / rotation of the brush (22) of said brushing unit (20) and simultaneously, / B1 / move said brushing unit (20), in the first direction (X1) up or down, and / or in the second direction (X2) by winding / unwinding the first cable (Ca1) and simultaneously winding / unwinding the second cable (Ca2).

22. A method according to any one of claims 14 to 19, or 21, wherein the cleaning system of said installation is permanently installed on said photovoltaic panel array, said anchoring system (23) being always connected to said brushing unit (20) by said at least one cable (Ca), and wherein at the end of the cleaning cycle the method provides for controlling the movement device (23) to move said brushing unit (23) into a predetermined parking position, the parking position (PS) freeing the surface of the photovoltaic panels, for example the parking position being a position in which the brushing unit is coupled to the trolley and lifted by the coupling and lifting mechanism (242) when said installation is according to claim 13,or said parking position being a position of said brushing unit parked on the parking platform (243) when said installation is according to any one of claims 10 to 12, or the parking position being a position of said brushing unit on a support separate from the photovoltaic panels, for example, at the periphery of the photovoltaic panels.

23. An installation according to any one of claims 1 to 13, having at least one control unit CU comprising a processor, memory and instructions configured to cooperate with the processor and memory to ensure the implementation of the process according to any one of claims 14 to 19, or 22, or an installation according to claim 20 having a control unit comprising a processor, memory and instructions configured to cooperate with the processor and memory to ensure the implementation of the process according to claim 21, or 22.

24. Installation according to claim 23 comprising a rain sensor (CPL), and wherein said control unit is configured to trigger the implementation of said cleaning cycle according to the cleaning process according to any one of claims 14 to 19 or 21, upon detection of a signal from the rain sensor, representative of the detection of rainwater.

25. Installation according to any one of claims 1 to 13, 20, 23 or 24 comprising said brushing unit and / or drive device comprising one or more batteries, and in particular recharged by electricity from said photovoltaic (PV) panels of said photovoltaic panel assembly, or recharged by at least one photovoltaic panel of said trolley (241) when said installation is according to claim 6.

26. Installation according to claim 23 comprising a water spray ramp, in particular at the top of the inclined slope, equipped with at least one solenoid valve, and wherein said control unit is configured to trigger the implementation of the cleaning cycle of the cleaning process according to any one of claims 14 to 19 or 21, by triggering said solenoid valve in an open position ensuring the spraying of the photovoltaic panels of the inclined slope.

27. ​​An installation according to claim 23, 24, 25, or 26, wherein said photovoltaic panel array is associated with a soiling detection device, or said panel array is associated with several photovoltaic panel soiling detection devices associated respectively with sub-assemblies of panels, the soiling detection device generating a soiling signal, or said soiling detection devices generating several soiling signals associated with the different sub-assemblies of panels, and wherein the instructions are configured to cooperate with the processor and memory to: - compare the fouling signal(s) from the fouling detection device(s) with one or more fouling thresholds, - to control said brushing unit in the first direction (X1) and the second direction (X2) in order to ensure the cleaning of the photovoltaic panels of said panel assembly, when the fouling signal exceeds the fouling threshold, or to control said brushing unit in the first direction (X1) and the second direction (X2) in order to ensure the cleaning of the photovoltaic panels of the sub-assemblies, when the fouling signals of the sub-assemblies exceed the fouling thresholds respectively.

28. Installation according to claim 27 in combination with any one of claims 10 to 12 wherein said fouling detection device is arranged on the trolley (241) and comprises: - a first photovoltaic cell (cell 1) on the parking platform (243) configured to be cleaned by the brushing unit (20) at each cleaning cycle when said brushing unit is moved on the parking platform (243), - a second photovoltaic cell (cel 2) configured to become soiled without being cleaned by the brushing unit and in which the cleaning cycle is triggered when the difference between the signal of the first cell (cell) and the second cell (cel2) falls below a threshold or when the ratio between the signal of the first cell (cell) and the ratio of the second cell (cel2) falls below a threshold.

29. An installation according to any one of claims 24 to 27, having all or part of the following characteristics: - said brushing unit (20) extending lengthwise along a longitudinal direction (d) intended to be horizontal during cleaning, includes an inclinometer or gyroscope configured to measure an inclination of the longitudinal direction of said brushing unit with respect to the horizontal and generate a tilt signal, and in which said control unit presents the tilt signal as input, and in particular the instructions include instructions configured to command the drive device (23) in order to restore a horizontal position of said brushing unit when the tilt signal is greater than a threshold value, - said installation includes one or more peripheral sensors, configured to detect an overshoot of said brushing unit outside the peripheral limits of the surface of the photovoltaic panels, generating one or more peripheral detection signals and in particular the instructions include instructions configured to stop the movement of the brushing unit - said brushing unit includes a location beacon, for example GPS.

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