System for cleaning of solar panels and solar mirrors

Abstract

This invention provides systems and methods for removing contaminants from a surface of a plurality of solar photovoltaic panels or mirrors. The cleaning system comprises a cleaning solution source repository, a plurality of individually addressable, individually activatable, rotating high-pressure withstanding fluid sprayers in fluid connection with said cleaning solution source repository, piping in fluid connection with and feeding cleaning solution to said plurality of individually addressable, individually activatable, rotating high-pressure withstanding fluid sprayers from said cleaning solution source repository and an optionally remote-access control system configured to control cleaning solution delivery time, pressure, duration or a combination thereof, wherein placement of the rotating high-pressure fluid sprayers is distributed strategically such that when activated, a strong stream of cleaning solution is achievable, reaching even the most distally located panels in the array, without need for human intervention.

Description

SYSTEM FOR CLEANING OF SOLAR PANELS AND SOLARMIRRORSBACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0001] Solar energy production is expected to increase more rapidly than any other energy source into the middle of this century, due to the effective and highly desirable efficiency of this source for green energy production.

[0002] Solar energy production, however, is known to be negatively impacted by dust and other environmental debris accumulating for example, on solar energy collectors, and current projections include an approximately 15-30% reduction of efficiency across various geographical, underscoring the significant detrimental role that particulate matter plays in reducing solar power generation output wherever it is allowed to rest on solar cell surfaces. Compounding problems may include solar panels being located in hard to reach locations, which may further be subject to frequent dust, debris and other contaminant deposition. Atmospheric particulate matter deposited on solar panel surfaces reduces solar energy transmittance actually reaching the photovoltaics.

[0003] Just as a solar cell in the shade will not produce as much electricity as one in direct intense sunlight, each particle on the surface of the solar cell places that part of the cell beneath it in the shade diminishing the output of the cell. The more particulate or dust residing on the surface of the solar cell, the smaller the area of the cell that is exposed to sunlight and, consequently, the less power that cell produces.

[0004] Regular solar panel surface cleaning would clearly result in greater power generation of affected solar cells, with significant increases expected after each cleaning. Indeed, solar panel manufacturers advise a minimum of one cleaning per month. In many applications, cleaning every week and sometimes on a daily basis, is required. Fulfilling this cleaning schedule can be very difficult, and costly, to access the panels in order to clean the panels, in particular, on such a frequent schedule.

[0005] Traditional cleaning also causes scratches to surfaces of the solar cells, which in turn, may also reduce the efficiency of the panel. Cleaning may also require solvents, water, significant personnel time, equipment and machinery to address the cleaning requirements. In addition, such solar panels are usually spread out on large areas and the cleaning of such large areas is time consuming.

[0006] Water is considered the most suitable agent for the cleaning. However, especially for large solar arrays, distributing water to flush the panels and mirrors is complicated, and such a system is difficult to install and maintain.

[0007] Especially in floating solar systems installed on a water surface and in agri- photovoltaic systems installed above agricultural growth, it is neither practical nor economical to physically reach each of the panels in order to clean them.

[0008] Cleaning of solar systems installed on a water surface and in agri-photovoltaic systems present another major cleaning challenge due to dropping of the birds that being attract in large quantities to these sites. This dropping stick to the surface of the photovoltaic panels and mirrors and is very difficult to be removed. Regular water washing is not enough and only high-pressure water flushing can succeed in removing them and clean the solar systems.

[0009] Other in-use solutions include washing photocell arrays, using, inter alia, hydraulic actuators, which must be controlled to avoid cataclysmic contact with the cell.

[0010] There is currently a need and a lack of an ideal solution to optimally clean solar panels and solar mirrors, which has a clear and imminent impact on maximizing the energy efficiency and obtaining the needed level of energy production of the solar panels and mirrors.SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0011] This invention provides, in some embodiments, an improved cleaning system for arrays with multiple solar panels or multiple solar mirrors over the known ones.

[0012] In some embodiments, according to this aspect, the invention provides a cleaning system capable of providing the exact amount of well distributed cleaning solution, which insome embodiments, is merely water, over large areas of solar panels and solar mirrors in an effective, high cleaning power, easy to install, and easy to maintain fashion, in order to clean the panels and mirrors and maintain their properties and efficiency over time.

[0013] In some embodiments, the cleaning system makes use of individually addressable, individually activatable, rotating, high-pressure withstanding fluid sprayers in fluid connection with a cleaning solution source repository. The fluid sprayers are angled such that the cleaning solution is released at a height above the surface of the solar panels / mirrors to be cleaned thereby, such that the cleaning system promotes falling of the cleaning solution onto the surface from a height of about 5 to about 25 meters. It will be appreciated by the skilled artisan that gravitational force can then contribute to the efficacy of the cleaning, which uniquely is provided by the systems of this invention, so that the most efficient high-powered cleaning is provided. In some embodiments, according to this aspect, the systems can mimic the effect of torrential rain, or high-powered spraying onto the solar panels / mirrors to be cleaned, not existing in any other cleaning system to date.

[0014] In some embodiments, the cleaning solution being released at a height above the surface of the solar panels / mirrors to be cleaned thereby promotes dispersion of the cleaning solution so that any ability of a more concentrated cleaning solution being deposited on the solar panels / mirrors to cause damage to said solar panels / mirrors is mitigated, reduced or altogether prevented. In some embodiments, the plurality of individually addressable, individually activatable rotating fluid sprayers is stably incorporated in a structure that can float atop of a water repository or reservoir, wherein the rotating fluid sprayers containing structure is located at a periphery of or within the array of a plurality of solar photovoltaic panels or mirrors. In other embodiments, the rotating high-pressure withstanding fluid sprayers may also function as floating elements providing added structural support for proper positioning of the fluid sprayers, when under the influence of high forces and moments created during operation of said fluid sprayers and in some embodiments, weights are applied to the individually addressable, individually activatable, rotating high-pressure withstanding fluid sprayers to control their angular movement.

[0015] In some embodiments, the plurality of individually addressable, individually activatable rotating fluid sprayers may make use of any appropriate solution to ensure that the high forces to which they will be subjected are controlled, e.g. to prevent their angular movement and the like. According to this aspect, and in some embodiments, the system mayincorporate expansion absorption devices, and in some embodiments, the system may further comprise flexible elements in the piping of the systems of this invention, or in a structural support of the systems of the invention or in a combination thereof, which flexible element in turn may promote greater regulation of the high forces applied to elements of the systems of this invention, for example, preventing or reducing angular movement and the like of the sprayers. In some embodiments, the expansion absorption devices includes incorporation of any flexible / expandable component coupled to or a part of the piping system that enables expansion, structural changes such as bending, etc. within the piping system. For example, and representing one embodiments of such flexible / expandable component, a bellows structure may be incorporated in the piping system for this purpose.

[0016] In some embodiments, this invention provides a cleaning system, which eliminates or reduces the need to use an intra-site water distribution system, which cleaning system is capable of cleaning large areas of solar panels and solar mirrors from a minimal number of water spreading points.

[0017] In still other embodiments, the cleaning system reduces and in some embodiments, eliminates altogether a need for personnel to clean the solar panels and / or mirrors, over the lifetime of the solar power system.

[0018] In some embodiments, the cleaning system will comprise intelligent electronics, promoting centralized operation of cleaning functions of the cleaning system, which in some embodiments, can be controlled locally and in some embodiments, can be controlled remotely.

[0019] In some embodiments, the cleaning system of this invention is operationally connected to a central water supply system, which in other embodiments, further provides for the versatility in use of any combination of pre-treatment components, such as softeners, filters, deionizers, additives etc.

[0020] In some embodiments, according to this aspect, the cleaning system added components may promote conditioning and / or purification of the incoming cleaning water to satisfy, for example, requirements specified by any solar panel provider, or in some embodiments, satisfying any requirements established by agriculture regulators, for example, when agri -photovoltaic systems are in use.

[0021] In still other embodiments, the cleaning system and including the added components as described herein may be centrally controlled, for example incorporating intelligent electronics as part of such systems, for cost-effective operation and satisfying the necessary quality level for the cleaning water.

[0022] According to this aspect and in some embodiments, such system making use of a central water supply system may further be characterized by the advantage of being able to use any local sources of water available.

[0023] For example, and representing contemplated embodied aspects of the invention, especially in the case of floating PV systems installed on, for example, a water reservoir, the cleaning system can be designed to use the water from the reservoir itself. In accordance, for example, with this aspect, the cleaning system may promote / provide for the maximum possible amount of cleaning water to be returned to the reservoir, saving costs and practically eliminating or significantly reducing water loss and any negative impact on the environment.

[0024] In still other embodied aspects, when making use of an agri -photovoltaic system, the cleaning system can be operated to simultaneously provide the quantity and quality of water to clean the solar panels and to irrigate the plants.

[0025] In some embodiments of the invention, the systems of this invention may incorporate intelligent electronics, which in turn may promote operation various functions of the cleaning system to optimally meet each the panels’ cleaning requirements as well as irrigation requirements of, for example, the accompanying agricultural growth when the systems are dual use purpose as described herein.

[0026] In some aspects of the invention, the water supply system can include a pumping station to deliver the cleaning water to the points of use. The pumping system can include devices to adjust the quantity and pressure of the water supplied by it. Operating the pumping system and its parameters can be controlled by intelligent electronics as herein described to optimize operation of the whole cleaning system.

[0027] In some embodiments, the water supply systems for the devices and systems of this invention can be connected to external water supply systems, such as wastewater treatment plants. In other embodiments, the pumping systems for the devices and systems of thisinvention can use the capacities of such incoming water system, such as quantity and pressure, to save on the capacity of the pumping station, its cost, and its energy consumption.

[0028] In some embodiments, the cleaning systems of this invention can include central water distribution piping constructed as one or more manifolds to deliver water to a series of water spraying devices for spraying over a solar panel array, for example, as in a solar farm.

[0029] In some embodiments, the cleaning systems of this invention can include one or more water spraying devices connected to manifolds. According to this aspect, and in some embodiments, each spraying device can spray the cleaning solution effectively and promote good distribution of the cleaning solution over a long distance and large area. Each device can achieve water spraying distances of up to 90 meters or even more subject the incoming water pressure and can deliver large quantities of cleaning water of up to 240 cubic meter per hour or more subject to the incoming water pressure, saving the need and related complexity and costs involved with systems using many small spraying devices.

[0030] In some embodiments, the cleaning systems of this invention can include one or more spraying devices, wherein each device can rotate up to 360 degrees about its axis. The spraying devices can, in some embodiments, be arranged around a solar panel array, such as, for example, in a solar farm, at certain intervals as required per the specific dimensions of the solar plant and the specific characteristics of the spraying devices, taking into account the range of reach and capacity volume, in order to ensure full coverage over the entirety of the array, with the sprayed cleaning fluid.

[0031] In some embodiments, the cleaning systems of this invention can include one or more spraying devices, wherein a plurality of the spraying devices can be installed at the periphery and also internally within the array.

[0032] In some embodiments, the cleaning systems of this invention can include one or more spraying devices, wherein the solar array is proximally located to a body of water, such as, for example, in the case of a floating solar array and according to this aspect, the spraying devices can be located along the banks around the water body.

[0033] Further according to this aspect, for example, with very large floating solar plants, and for plants installed far from the banks of a water body, the system itself may beinstalled / deployed on one or more floating structures anchored around or within or proximally to the floating solar array.

[0034] In some embodied aspects, intelligent electronics can activate the spraying devices all together, or individually or in any order considered optimal for the solar plant at any particular time.

[0035] Individual spraying reduces the flow rate and hence reduces the size of the pumps and filtering systems to save on installation and operational costs.

[0036] In some embodied respects, highly efficient cleaning can be achieved by integrating a high-capacity water pre-treatment system with high capacity and high pressure pumps feeding high capacity long-range spraying heads. Such combination is efficient and successful cleaning even very hard to clean deposits, for example, highly sticky bird droppings or guano.

[0037] In some embodied respects, the use of the high capacity long-range spraying heads can allow for their operation at each cleaning round only for short period of time. In some aspects, cleaning may be accomplished even with operating the spraying heads only for few minutes. In still some embodied respects, further saving can be achieved by eliminating the need to have an expensive water pre-treatment system with full capacity to feed the spraying heads during their short time of operation. According to this non-limiting, embodied aspect a water storage tank or reservoir can be added in-between the filtering / softening water pretreatment system and the spraying heads, allowing the water pre-treatment system to operate 24 / 7 and hence a lower cost low-capacity pre-treatment system may be effectively utilized.

[0038] It will be understood that this invention contemplates a solar panel cleaning system wherein the individual spraying elements of the system may be individually addressable and controllable, in some aspects, with the control of the individual spraying element being implemented through intelligent electronics.

[0039] According to this aspect, and in some embodiments, the intelligent electronics may control the pressure at each spraying device operates, which in turn can impact the range and quantity of the sprayed cleaning fluid, as well as or in addition to the timing of implementation, duration of implementation, orientation of spraying, number of repeat movements of a spraying device, etc., essentially controlling all aspects of utilization of a given spraying device.

[0040] According to this aspect, and in some embodiments, the intelligent electronics may control the spraying devices function on an individually addressable level, or in some embodiments, may activate the entire cleaning system spraying devices, to adjust and ensure ideal cleaning efficiency, for example, taking into consideration soiling level, time zone, season, luminosity, temperature, wind speed and direction and weather conditions of the region, and weather forecast and other conditions that may result in a desire to preferentially clean certain panels in an array versus the entirety of the array or vice versa.

[0041] In still other embodiments, according to this aspect, the system may be influenced, e.g. by environmental conditions such as wind, and in one embodied aspect, in case wind from one direction occurs to which the system is exposed, then such system can be regulated such that operation of the system will be carried out, only e.g. from components located in a region / e.g. from a side in the direction of the wind, so that the natural wind participates in device operation.

[0042] According to this aspect, and in some embodiments, using the environmental condition additively improves reach, i.e. making use of the components in the direction of the wind promotes e.g. increased reach of the cleaning solution sprayed in the wind direction for longer distances. According to this aspect, and in some embodiments, such natural condition participation promotes eliminating losses due to push-back of water, for example, were the system to allow for operation of the other side of the system, working against the wind direction, which would result in added, non-efficient spraying from the other side of the system, against the wind direction.

[0043] In still other embodiments the intelligent electronics may control the spraying devices function to link same to a performance measurement of a solar plant to detect performance decrease, for example, due to soiling of a particular region or multiple regions of the array, and thereby activating the cleaning system accordingly to specifically target affected regions, where performance measurements for example, diminished, in order to increase performance of same.

[0044] In still other embodiments, the systems of this invention may make use of an external power supply, or, in some embodiments, the cleaning systems of this invention may be powered by the solar array itself being cleaned.

[0045] According to this aspect, and in some embodiments, such self-cleaning solar panel array and cleaning systems can be configured, for example, using the intelligent electronics described herein, to utilize excess power of the solar array at times when there is excess (such as during times of no-to-low demand for power from a user) hence increasing the overall efficiency of the plant and systems.

[0046] In other aspects, the intelligent electronics can dynamically control the timing of the power consumption and the source of power used by the cleaning system.

[0047] In still further embodied aspects, the cleaning system can add any desired additives to the cleaning solution that may enhance cleaning and operation effectiveness, efficiency and the like.

[0048] In still other embodiments, the cleaning systems of this invention may specifically incorporate long range spraying devices, to increase the cleaning efficiency, for example, in comparison to known distributed low pressure spraying systems.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0049] Various embodiments of the cleaning systems and components as well as implementation of same are described herein with reference to the figures wherein:

[0050] Figure 1 A depicts a non-limiting example of an overall layout of a cleaning system of this invention. Figure IB provides a more magnified view of embodied components of the layout of Figure 1 A, highlighting periodic distribution of individual spraying devices, interspersed for access to the solar panels in the array.

[0051] Figure 2 schematically depicts an embodied mapping of distances between spraying devices which ensures complete coverage for spraying the washing solution in order to access and liberally clean all the solar panels of an array of the indicated dimensions.

[0052] Figure 3 schematically depicts a non-limiting arrangement of cleaning system components, contemplated as part of the systems of this invention.

[0053] Figure 4A is a photograph of an experimental setup of a component of an embodied washing system of this invention, where the spraying device is positioned proximally to a border of a solar panel array in a field and its connection to a local water supply. Figure 4B is a photograph of the cleaning system of Figure 4A in use, depicting the long range and excellent coverage provided by the systems of this invention.

[0054] Figure 5 schematically depicts positioning the cleaning systems on a sloped structure.

[0055] Figure 6 schematically depicts another non-limiting arrangement of cleaning system components, contemplated as part of the systems of this invention.

[0056] Figure 7 schematically depicts a non-limiting example of a cleaning system deployed on a floating system of solar panels / mirrors.DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0057] This invention provides, in some embodiments, cleaning systems, components and methods of use of same, for cleaning contaminants from a surface of a plurality of solar photovoltaic panels or mirrors, in a variety of large-scale array applications.

[0058] According to this aspect and in some embodiments, the cleaning systems of this invention uniquely are suitable for large arrays, in particular solar photovoltaic panels or mirror arrays, which cover large areas for high energy output applications, for example, as in floating and agriculture photovoltaic systems, and the systems of the invention are uniquely suitable for ensuring optimal energy collection and therefore output, by, for example, reducing accumulating debris on the surface of the solar photovoltaic panels or mirrors, which in turn can negatively impact optimal solar energy collection and therefore output.

[0059] In some aspects, the cleaning systems and methods of use and components as herein described provide a very unique means to reliably and foundationally remove debris, deposits and contaminants from the solar photovoltaic panels or mirrors, in a far more easy-to- use and less labor intensive manner than heretofore accomplished.

[0060] According to this aspect, and in some embodiments, the unique cleaning system is comprised of distributed rotating high-pressure water / cleaning fluid sprayers strategicallylocated to enable a strong stream of water to reach panels in the array without human intervention. In still further embodied aspects, the distributed rotating high-pressure water / cleaning fluid sprayers may be constructed including with implements and attachments to ensure even distribution of the cleaning fluid over all panels in the array, in all exposed or substantially all exposed surfaces of the panel.

[0061] This invention provides, in some aspects, a cleaning system for removing contaminants from a surface of a plurality of solar photovoltaic panels or mirrors, the cleaning system comprising:• a cleaning solution source repository;• a plurality of individually addressable, individually rotating fluid sprayers in fluid connection with said cleaning solution source repository; and• an optionally remote-access control system configured to control cleaning solution delivery time, pressure, duration or a combination thereof; wherein placement of the rotating high-pressure fluid sprayers is distributed strategically such that when activated, a strong stream of cleaning solution is achievable, reaching even the most distally located panels in the array, without need for human intervention.

[0062] Referring to Figure 1 A, there is depicted a non-limiting example of an overall layout of a cleaning system of this invention.

[0063] The system comprises a cleaning solution source repository, which may for example be located within item 4. The cleaning solution in the repository will be in fluid connection with the plurality of individually addressable, individually activatable, and able to withstand high-pressure, rotating fluid sprayers 7.

[0064] As will be appreciated by the skilled artisan, the fluid connection would include piping to convey the fluid from the repository to the fluid sprayer.

[0065] According to some embodiments, the fluid is applied under a high pressure, which pressure may be facilitated by making use of a pump or pumping station, which may employ, for example, centrifugal pumps, piston pumps, booster pumps, etc. It will be appreciated that any appropriate pressure exerting device and component to result in the pumping of water from therepository to the plurality of individually addressable, individually activatable, and able to withstand high-pressure, rotating fluid sprayers may be used herein and is to be considered as a contemplated aspect of the invention.

[0066] In some aspects, the repository is created nearby arbitrarily at a location proximal to the array of solar panels / mirrors. In other embodiments, the repository is an existing water station including infrastructure for a water pumping station, which is operationally connected then to the cleaning system. In some aspects, additional features may be incorporated within the system to make use of existing e.g. water stations without interfering with other intended uses / applications, etc. of such water stations. In some embodiments, a series of filters, or a filtering system, water treatment system, water softening system, valves, and any combination thereof may be utilized to address unique needs of the cleaning systems of this invention and same may be specifically incorporated to existing water supply stations so that the water is drawn therefrom and conveyed through a piping system, which may be elaborate and contain downstream attachments, such as components of the series of filters, or a filtering system, water treatment system, water softening system, valves, and any combination thereof, so that the cleaning solution fed to the delivery piping system at 5 is ready for use.

[0067] In other embodiments, the repository is a separate vessel, which in turn may also be in fluid connection with an existing water station, however, the separate vessel may be downstream therefrom and include one-way valves to siphon the water from the water station to the separate repository vessel, preventing backflow from the repository vessel to the water station tanks, for example. Downstream of the repository vessel, may be, inter alia, pumping elements, to pump the repository contained water under pressure. In some aspects, additional features may be incorporated within the system, for example, and representing certain embodiments, a series of filters, or a filtering system, water treatment system, water softening system, valves, and any combination thereof may be utilized to address unique needs of the cleaning systems of this invention and these may be functionally and fluidly connected between the water station and separate vessel of the repository, or in another embodiment, downstream of the separate vessel of the repository, before the final cleaning fluid solution is conveyed to the plurality of individually addressable, individually activatable, and able to withstand high-pressure, rotating fluid sprayers.

[0068] As the cleaning fluid may be applied in high pressure, it is important to note that the components of the cleaning systems of this invention will be constructed of materials that canwithstand such high pressures, while containing and being in contact with the fluids as described herein over time. Such materials may comprise metals, alloys, appropriate plastics / polymers, which may be further treated to prevent e.g. corrosion, or contamination, film formation, or other conditions that weaken or reduce the efficacy of the components as herein described.

[0069] In some embodiments, the conveyance of the cleaning fluid to the plurality of individually addressable, individually activatable, and able to withstand high-pressure, rotating fluid sprayers may be through direct piping 5, or in some embodiments, through a more elaborate network of piping, for example, as depicted in 6 in a fluid manifold system. According to this aspect and in some embodiments, drawn cleaning fluid from the repository can be shunted to different members of the plurality of fluid sprayers 7.

[0070] In some aspects of the invention, the fluid sprayers 7 are individually addressable, which is to say that for example, an intelligent electronics system is incorporated in the systems of this invention such that individual sprayers can be accessed and water at high pressure shunted thereto specifically including using controlled valves to achieve such purpose.

[0071] In other embodiments, the fluid sprayers 7 are individually activatable, which is to say that for example, an intelligent electronics system is incorporated in the systems of this invention such that individual sprayers can be brought into action to release the high-pressure fluid specifically therefrom.

[0072] Such individually addressable, individually activatable, fluid sprayers provide a versatility to the systems of this invention to promote specific utilization of particular sprayers so that the distribution of the cleaning solution is optimal, which may, in some aspects promote still higher pressure fluid application to a particular panel / mirror in an array and / or prevent waste of fluid and power resources activating sprayers whose use, per se, is not necessary at a given time.

[0073] The fluid sprayers 7 are capable of rotation, even 360-degree rotation for optimal delivery of the high-pressure stream of cleaning solution.

[0074] In other embodiments, the placement of the rotating high-pressure fluid sprayers 7 are strategic, such that when activated, a strong stream of cleaning solution is achievable, reaching even the most distally located panels in the array, without need for human intervention.

[0075] As noted, the control of the system, including drawing water to and through the repository, including any additional elements, opening and / or closing of valves, shunting of the fluid to particular sprayers, or all sprayers, and orienting the sprayers at a desired optimal angle and directionality to promote desired cleaning fluid delivery may be under the control of a control system configured to control cleaning solution delivery time, pressure, duration or a combination thereof, which may be optionally controlled via remote access, or in some embodiments, via direct access.

[0076] Figure 2 for example, schematically depicts multiple sprayers in use that direct the spray of the cleaning fluid in a manner such that optimal complete coverage of an entire array is achieved. Figure 4B is a photograph that further illustrates the significant reach of the fluid spray in a system of this invention, achieving powerful cleaning of a large array of panels, with maximal utilization of the applied water in the system.

[0077] An accompanying water supply system comprised of a pumping station to deliver the cleaning water to the points of use where the pumping system includes devices to adjust the quantity and pressure of the water supplied.

[0078] In some embodiments, as described herein, the system makes use of existing water sources on-site proximal to the array. According to this aspect and in some embodiments, the onsite water source may enable provision of a desired on-site water pressure and thereby provide added capacity to reduce energy consumption of the cleaning system.

[0079] In some embodiments, the plurality of individually addressable, individually activatable, high-pressure withstanding, rotating fluid sprayers are positioned to deliver the cleaning solution at an angle of between 20 degrees to about 80 degrees, with respect to the surface being cleaned by the system, whereby the angle of delivery and resulting gravitational force promotes greater cleaning efficiency. According to this aspect, and in some embodiments, the array comprising the plurality of individually addressable, individually activatable, high- pressure withstanding, rotating fluid sprayers is installed on a sloped surface. In some embodiments, the angle at which the sprayers are positioned relative to the surface being cleaned is greater than an angle of the sloped surface.

[0080] Referring for example to Figure 5, the sloped surface 1 is shown, whereby the plurality of solar panels are arranged thereon 2. In this non-limiting example, a fluid sprayer 3, such as along range sprinkler is positioned at an edge of the slope with the plurality of solar panels. The sprinkler is positioned to have a release angled at about 15 - about 80 degrees with respect to the surface of the panels placed on the sloped surface. Such angling of the sprinkler release mechanism ensures release of cleaning fluid in an arc 4 that can reach a height of about 5 - 15 meters above the surface of the solar panels, for example, increasing cleaning efficiency. Such angling ensures water falling 5 with a contributory and resulting gravitational force promoting greater cleaning efficiency.

[0081] In still further embodied aspects, the cleaning systems of the invention may comprise an array located on a body of water, wherein according to this aspect, the cleaning system spraying elements will require being installed on floating elements in the body of water, for example, on the outer walls of a reservoir or fastened securely and buoyed inside the solar array.

[0082] Referring to Figure IB, a more magnified view of embodied components of the layout of Figure 1 A, highlighting periodic distribution of individual spraying devices, interspersed for access to the solar panels in the array, whereas designated at 8, the array is deployed over a water reservoir.

[0083] In some embodiment utilizing the water available in the reservoir to comprise part of the cleaning fluid may be desired, and as depicted in Figures 1A-1B, same may be accomplished by utilizing a suction basket 1, as depicted, e.g. for pumping water to the system directly from water reservoir by conveying same e.g. through inlet piping 2, where the water is then inlet 3 to the system pumping station / cleaning fluid repository 4. In some embodiments, as described, a filtering system such as screens may be incorporated, preventing entry of impurities to any of the water intake elements, including into the reservoir, repository, etc.. In other aspects, the inlet water can be delivered from a separate irrigation system or systems like a municipal water supply system, as described herein.

[0084] Referring to Figure 7, an embodied, non-limiting example of a cleaning system deployed on a floating system of solar panels / mirrors is depicted. According to this aspect, a floating array 1 of solar panels / mirrors is exemplified. The cleaning solution, which in some aspects, may be water located beneath the floating system may be introduced 2 to a feeding pipe 3 inlet.

[0085] According to this and other aspects, the piping components will be comprised of a material that can withstand the high-pressure fluids passaged therethrough, and in some embodiments, resists environmental corrosion caused, e.g. by humidity and water damage. According to some aspects, the piping may be of any appropriately strong plastic, and will range in diameter from about 50 - 500 centimeters, in some embodiments, and in some embodiments, such piping may have a wall thickness of from about 8 - about 70 cm, depending on the application and location of the piping. It will be appreciated that any diameter and / or thickness that can characterize the piping, while still enabling the piping form withstanding the high-pressure fluids passaged therethrough, and in some embodiments, resisting any environmental corrosion caused, e.g. by humidity and water damage is envisioned for use and should be considered as part of this invention.

[0086] Still further according to this aspect, the piping may have associated buoys 4 to ensure floatation of the piping, and the piping will be operationally connected and in fluid connection with a sprayer, such as a long-range sprinkler 6 as depicted. The sprayer may release a long-range waterjet 7 under high pressure, such that additional support to the piping, for example and including additionally reinforcing supporting arms 8 associated with additional buoys 9 may be used. In some embodiments, substantially perpendicularly positioned feeding pipe 5 may be between the inlet containing piping 3 and the sprayer 6.

[0087] In some aspects, the water piping feeding the spraying elements can be used as floating elements of the spraying heads and as the provider of the structure needed to hold the spraying heads and the high forces and moments they create during operation.

[0088] In some aspects, the ability to recycle the water component of the cleaning fluid utilized in the cleaning systems is highly desired, and in some aspects, runoff water may accumulate, and be shunted through alternate inlet piping back to the cleaning fluid repository, as well.

[0089] As is described herein and as one embodied aspect is depicted in Figure 2 herein, differential arrangement of the sprayers may provide a variety of advantages. For example, and representing certain embodied aspects, the sprayers can be arranged to:- Position the sprayers along one side of the array - beneficial in cases of narrower solar systems or if access to other side of the solar system is not easy.- Position the sprayers on two opposite sides of the array - beneficial for wider solar systems- Position the sprayers at one or more of the array corners - beneficial to save piping and number of sprinklers- Position the sprayers on floating buoys deployed on the water next to the solar panels - beneficial for solar systems positioned relatively far from the reservoir banks.

[0090] Figure 3 provides additional features to embodied cleaning systems of the invention, for example, as follows:#1 - Computerized central control system#2 - Suction basket. Alternatively connecting point to other water supply system#3 - Water inlet piping#4 - Inlet valve#5 - Pumping station#6 - One-way valve#7 - Air venting device#8 - Pressure sensor#9 - intra-system valves#10 - Water treatment system which can include - filtering, chemical and / or biological treatment, softening system#11 - Intra system valves# 12 - Pressure sensor#13 - Controlled intra system valves#14 - Air venting device#15 - Dosing pumping station#16 - Controlled intra system valves#17 - Pressure sensor#18 - Main water delivery piping system#19 - Sprinkler’s control valves

[0091] In another embodiment, other system components may be incorporated in the systems of the invention and / or other elements that are not essential may be removed, and it will be understood that automation and combination components as well known in the art, may result in combined modular assemblies of the control components of the systems of this invention, in addition to other components, as is known in the art.

[0092] For example, and as depicted in Figure 6, the cleaning system may comprise a cleaning fluid / water inlet 1 feeding the fluid into a sub-system for fluid treatment 2, such as and including filter elements, applications of softeners and other treatments, and the treated fluid may be pumped 3 into a retention tank 4, which maintains a reservoir of treated, cleaning fluid. According to this aspect, and in some embodiments, another pump, which in some aspects may be a high-flow pump 5 may be connected to the retention tank 4, which is operationally connected to and in fluid connection with a sprayer 6 to release the cleaning fluid jet to clean an array located proximally to the system.

[0093] While the sprayers of this invention have been depicted as comprising a single outlet / nozzle it will be appreciated that oppositely positioned outlets / nozzles may be incorporated in the sprayers of this invention, which in some aspects may serve to reduce the force applied on the supporting structure / pipe containing the sprayer, for example, or in other aspects, promote bi-directional fluid spraying which produces more efficient cleaning action or both, as will be appreciated by the skilled artisan.

[0094] In still further embodied aspects, the water piping feeding the spraying elements can be used as floating elements of the spraying heads themselves, and as the provider of the structure needed to hold the spraying heads and the high forces and moments they create during operation.

[0095] In some embodiments, the high forces and moments created from the spraying heads may be further addressed by using expansion absorption devices [please explain what this is, it is not clear to me?].

[0096] In other embodiments, the high forces and moments created from the spraying heads may be further addressed by using flexible elements in the piping in the systems of this invention, or in some embodiments, by using flexible elements in the structural support of the systems of the invention, or a combination thereof.

[0097] In still other embodiments, the high forces and moments created from the spraying heads may be further addressed by using heavy weights attached to or otherwise associated with a bottom of the sprinklers assembly, which in some aspects, promotes restraint of its angular movements.

[0098] In some aspects, the systems of this invention may help address the challenge in cleaning solar systems using trackers. According to these aspects and in some embodiments, the systems photovoltaic panels may be installed on long rows that are relatively narrow and with relatively wide opening between the rows. In typical cleaning systems, the regular irrigation systems will not be efficient and will suffer from waste of the water used in such systems. The present cleaning systems of the invention, however, in some aspects, solve this problem by installing spraying elements capable of spraying cleaning fluid along these widely spaced rows given the positioning of the angled sprayers and high pressure fluid arcs, so that the rows are ideally accessed to ensure that the required cleaning is accomplished.

[0099] Various embodiments and description for these elements has been provided herein and the skilled artisan will readily appreciate their appropriate implementation within the systems of this invention.

[0100] While certain features of the invention have been illustrated and described herein, many modifications, substitutions, changes, and equivalents will now occur to those of ordinary skill in the art. It is, therefore, to be understood that the appended claims are intended to cover all such modifications and changes as fall within the true spirit of the invention.

[0101] It will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes in form and details may be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as setforth in the appended claims. Those skilled in the art will recognize, or be able to ascertain using no more than routine experimentation, many equivalents to the specific embodiments of the invention described herein. Such equivalents are intended to be encompassed in the scope of the claims.

[0102] All publications, patents, and patent applications mentioned herein are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety as if each individual publication or patent was specifically and individually indicated to be incorporated by reference. In case of a conflict between the specification and an incorporated reference, the specification shall control. Where number ranges are given in this document, endpoints are included within the range. Furthermore, it is to be understood that unless otherwise indicated or otherwise evident from the context and understanding of one of ordinary skill in the art, values that are expressed as ranges can assume any specific value or subrange within the stated ranges, optionally including or excluding either or both endpoints, in different embodiments of the invention, to the tenth of the unit of the lower limit of the range, unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Where a percentage is recited in reference to a value that intrinsically has units that are whole numbers, any resulting fraction may be rounded to the nearest whole number.

[0103] In the claims articles such as "a,", "an" and "the" mean one or more than one unless indicated to the contrary or otherwise evident from the context. Claims or descriptions that include "or" or "and / or" between members of a group are considered satisfied if one, more than one, or all of the group members are present in, employed in, or otherwise relevant to a given product or process unless indicated to the contrary or otherwise evident from the context. The invention includes embodiments in which exactly one member of the group is present in, employed in, or otherwise relevant to a given product or process. The invention also includes embodiments in which more than one, or all of the group members are present in, employed in, or otherwise relevant to a given product or process. Furthermore, it is to be understood that the invention provides, in various embodiments, all variations, combinations, and permutations in which one or more limitations, elements, clauses, descriptive terms, etc., from one or more of the listed claims is introduced into another claim dependent on the same base claim unless otherwise indicated or unless it would be evident to one of ordinary skill in the art that a contradiction or inconsistency would arise. Where elements are presented as lists, e.g. in Markush group format or the like, it is to be understood that each subgroup of the elements is also disclosed, and any element(s) can be removed from the group. It should it beunderstood that, in general, where the invention, or aspects of the invention, is / are referred to as comprising particular elements, features, etc., certain embodiments of the invention or aspects of the invention consist, or consist essentially of, such elements, features, etc. For purposes of simplicity those embodiments have not in every case been specifically set forth in haec verba herein. Certain claims are presented in dependent form for the sake of convenience, but Applicant reserves the right to rewrite any dependent claim in independent format to include the elements or limitations of the independent claim and any other claim(s) on which such claim depends, and such rewritten claim is to be considered equivalent in all respects to the dependent claim in whatever form it is in (either amended or unamended) prior to being rewritten in independent format.

Claims

[00104] WHAT IS CLAIMED IS:

1. A cleaning system for removing contaminants from a surface of a plurality of solar photovoltaic panels or mirrors, the cleaning system comprising:• a cleaning solution source repository;• a plurality of individually addressable, individually activatable, rotating high-pressure withstanding fluid sprayers in fluid connection with said cleaning solution source repository;• piping in fluid connection with and feeding cleaning solution to said plurality of individually addressable, individually activatable, rotating high- pressure withstanding fluid sprayers from said cleaning solution source repository and• an optionally remote-access control system configured to control cleaning solution delivery time, pressure, duration or a combination thereof; wherein placement of the rotating high-pressure fluid sprayers is distributed strategically such that when activated, a strong stream of cleaning solution is achievable, reaching even the most distally located panels in the array, without need for human intervention.

2. The cleaning system of claim 1, wherein said plurality of individually addressable, individually activatable, rotating fluid sprayers are positioned to deliver said cleaning solution at an angle of between 20 degrees to about 80 degrees, with respect to the surface being cleaned by said system.

3. The cleaning system of claim 2, wherein positioning of said fluid sprayers at an angle of between 20 degrees to about 80 degrees promotes release of said cleaning solution from a height of about 5 to about 35 meters onto a surface of plurality of solar photovoltaic panels or mirrors.

4. The cleaning system of claim 1, wherein multiple rotating fluid sprayers may be simultaneously addressed and activated.

5. The cleaning system of claim 1, wherein said system is implemented for use with floating and agriculture photovoltaic systems.

6. The cleaning system of claim 1, wherein the coverage provided by the withstanding high-pressure, rotating fluid sprayers comprises coverage of substantially every solar photovoltaic panel or mirror of said plurality.

7. The cleaning system of claim 1, wherein said system is operatively linked and in fluid connection with an accompanying water supply system comprising a pumping station.

8. The cleaning system of claim 7, wherein said pumping station comprises controllers to adjust the quantity and pressure of the water supplied to the cleaning system.

9. The cleaning system of claim 1, wherein said system is operatively linked and in fluid connection with a water source at or near the location in which the plurality of solar photovoltaic panels or mirrors are located.

10. The cleaning system of claim 1, wherein said system is operatively linked to and in fluid connection with a water supply system wherein the on-site water pressure and capacity of the water supply system may be utilized to power the cleaning system, thereby reducing energy consumption of the cleaning system.

11. The cleaning system of claim 1, wherein at least one of said plurality of individually addressable, individually activatable rotating fluid sprayers is stably incorporated in a structure that can float atop of a water repository or reservoir.

12. The cleaning system of claim 11, wherein said rotating fluid sprayers stably incorporated in a structure that can float atop of a water repository or reservoir is located at a periphery of or within the array of a plurality of solar photovoltaic panels or mirrors.

13. The cleaning system of claim 11 or 12, wherein said plurality of individually addressable, individually activatable, rotating high-pressure withstanding fluid sprayers may also function as floating elements providing added structural supportfor proper positioning of said fluid sprayers, when under the influence of high forces and moments created during operation of said fluid sprayers.

14. The cleaning system of claim 13, wherein weights are applied to said individually addressable, individually activatable, rotating high-pressure withstanding fluid sprayers to control their angular movement.

15. The cleaning system of any one of claims 1-11, wherein cleaning fluid in said system is recycled to the cleaning solution source repository after use.

16. The cleaning system of any one of claims 1-12, wherein the cleaning fluid is substantially water.

17. The cleaning system of claim 16, wherein the water is recycled to irrigate agriculture products located near to the plurality of solar photovoltaic panels or mirrors.

18. The cleaning system of claim 17, wherein said system is operatively linked and in fluid communication with an inline water treatment system, which inline water treatment system comprises inline treatment and chemical dosing controllers and shunts to deliver agents to regulate water quality requirements for recycling to said cleaning system, to supply to irrigate agriculture products located near to said system or a combination thereof.

19. The cleaning system of claim 17, wherein said system further comprises a water storage vessel operationally connected and in fluid connection with power water treatment system.

20. The cleaning system of claim 19, wherein said water treatment system can operate from about 1 - 24 hours daily to promote greater treatment efficiency and lower cost for the treatment system employed.

21. The cleaning system of any one of claims 1-20, wherein the cleaning fluid comprises a softening agent for treatment of hard water.

22. The cleaning system of any one of claims 1-21, wherein said system may further comprise one or more sensors and activation of said remote-access control systemconfigured to control cleaning solution delivery time, pressure, duration or any combination thereof may reflect data collected from said sensors.

23. The cleaning system of any one of claims 1-21, wherein said system may further comprise a manually activated control system configured to control cleaning solution delivery time, pressure, duration or any combination thereof.

24. The cleaning system of any one of claims 22 or 23, wherein activation of said control system may be as a result of sensing performance reduction of said plurality of solar photovoltaic panels or mirrors.

25. The cleaning system of claim 24, wherein said sensing is via data collected by sensors.

26. The cleaning system of claim 25, wherein said sensors detect reduction in:• performance of said plurality of solar photovoltaic panels or mirrors;• energy supply to systems operationally connected to said plurality of solar photovoltaic panels or mirrors; or wherein said sensors detect debris deposition on said plurality of solar photovoltaic panels or mirrors, or wherein said sensors detect a time of day and energy consumption requirements at such time, or wherein said sensors detect the presence of wind, or wherein said sensors detect weather forecast data or any combination thereof.

27. The cleaning system of claim 25, wherein the sensors are commercially available and supplied with the plurality of solar photovoltaic panels or mirrors.

28. The cleaning system of claim 24, wherein said sensing is via manual inspection.

29. The cleaning system of any one of claims 25-28, wherein only one or a few of said plurality of solar photovoltaic panels or mirrors are impacted by data collected by the sensors.

30. The cleaning system of claim 29, wherein cleaning system may be activated to clean only the one or few of said plurality of solar photovoltaic panels or mirrors.

31. The cleaning system of any one of claims 1 to 30, wherein said system further comprises a control system configured to control cleaning solution delivery time, pressure, duration or a combination thereof and wherein influencing factors, such as a reduction in performance of said plurality of solar photovoltaic panels or mirrors, debris deposition on said plurality of solar photovoltaic panels or mirrors, time of day and energy consumption requirements at such time, presence of wind, weather forecast data or any combination thereof can be automatically or manually entered into said system for incorporation by said control system to control cleaning solution delivery time, pressure, duration or a combination thereof as a reflection of said influencing factors.

32. The cleaning system of claim 31, wherein said system is further controlled to promote operation of components of said system which are in cooperation with wind direction.

33. The cleaning system of any one of claims 1-32, wherein powering of said cleaning system is from said solar photovoltaic panels or mirrors.

34. The cleaning system of any one of claims 1-33, wherein powering of said cleaning system is from an external power source.

35. A method of efficient, effective removal of contaminants from a surface of a plurality of solar photovoltaic panels or mirrors, said method comprising:• installing a cleaning system of any one of claims 1-34 to a site with an array which comprises a plurality of solar photovoltaic panels or mirrors to strategically distribute rotating high-pressure withstanding fluid sprayers of said cleaning system; operationally and fluidly connecting a high pressure cleaning fluid supply source to said cleaning system to deliver a strong stream of cleaning solution; and activating said cleaning system;whereby said cleaning fluid reaches even the most distally located panels or mirrors in the array, to efficiently and effectively remove contaminants from a surface of said panels or mirrors.

36. The method of claim 35, wherein a plurality of individually addressable, individually activatable, high-pressure withstanding, rotating fluid sprayers are positioned to deliver the cleaning solution at an angle of between 20 degrees to about 80 degrees, with respect to the surface being cleaned by the system, whereby the angle of delivery and resulting gravitational force promotes greater cleaning efficiency.

37. The method of any one of claims 35-36, wherein said array comprising a plurality of individually addressable, individually activatable, high-pressure withstanding, rotating fluid sprayers is installed on a sloped surface.

38. The method of claim 37, wherein said angle at which said sprayers are positioned relative to said surface being cleaned is greater than an angle of said sloped surface.

39. The method of claim 35, wherein said method may be effected without need for any human intervention.

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