Universal device for cleaning solar or photovoltaic panels

Abstract

The invention relates to a universal cleaning device (E) for cleaning solar or photovoltaic panels, formed by one or more units (12-1, 12-2) coupled together and controlled by a manual or automatic control, a water connection (9c) and a power connection (10). The device (E) is formed by at least one cleaning craft (12), two longitudinal profiles (1a, 1b), drive wheels (4a, 4b, 4c, 4d) and climbing wheels (3a, 3b, 3c, 3d). The device cleans arrays of panels with different configurations and features by means of the one or more coupled units (12-1, 12-2) and can be used for wet or dry cleaning. It can also adapt to any size of installation, be used in fixed installations or with solar tracking systems and overcome significant gaps and misalignments between panels. The device (E) creates a universal cleaning system that reduces the high costs of cleaning solar parks.

Description

[0001] DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0002] “Universal application solar or photovoltaic panel cleaning equipment”. or BACKGROUND: Field of application and problem of the technique

[0003]

[0001] Photovoltaic energy has made considerable inroads worldwide. Its contribution to climate change control is undeniable, as is its impact on the energy mix of various countries. Therefore, the efficiency of solar power plants and their operating conditions are of growing interest to the industry.

[0004]

[0002] The main cost in operating photovoltaic projects is addressing the problem of dust or dirt accumulating on solar panels, as this reduces energy generation and thus decreases efficiency. Therefore, it is necessary to find efficient solutions, optimized cleaning methods, high frequency, and above all, methods that do not excessively increase the cost of the process.

[0005]

[0003] Currently, there are various solutions available on the market that address the problem of dust in photovoltaic parks; however, their implementation has brought with it a series of associated drawbacks that the present invention aims to address. The main solar panel cleaning systems currently are three: a) Manual: A group of people manually cleans the panels, and this is mostly used in small and medium-sized installations (such as PMG = small generation facilities or PMGD = small distributed generation facilities); b) Robots: These can be manually controlled, semi-autonomous, or autonomous.Manually controlled robots are generally small, or shorter than a solar panel, and are designed for cleaning roofs and small surfaces in self-generation installations or small solar parks such as PMG or PMGD. There are also a few semi-autonomous, manually operated models, built specifically for a particular solar park or designed to operate within a limited range of panel sizes. These can be adjusted a few centimeters to accommodate a variety of panel widths, but only in arrays of one panel wide. Autonomous robots are mostly built specifically for each solar park or, more accurately, for a single, approximate panel array width. They may or may not have the ability to adjust their width by a few centimeters, but they are not suitable for arrays with a different number of panels. These are typically used in larger plants such as Utility Scale.c) Machine-operated / mechanized: These are large cleaning systems that require a machine to operate. This is currently the most common type of cleaning used in large parks, primarily the SunBrush system, which consists of a large brush mounted on a hydraulic arm operated by a tractor or other machinery.

[0006]

[0004] The self-designed invention team would fall into the group of manually controlled robots, but focused on cleaning medium and large parks where systems with machinery such as SunBrush and specific construction robots also operate.

[0007]

[0005] The observed problem that this invention aims to solve is precisely that which medium and large parks present when using cleaning systems focused on their segment.

[0008]

[0006] In the case of small robots geared towards smaller-scale cleaning, they have the flexibility to be used in different solar parks without needing to modify the equipment, but due to the small coverage of the cleaning area, they are very inefficient to be used in large parks as they could take months to complete the task.

[0009]

[0007] Larger robots, generally autonomous and sometimes semi-autonomous and manual, are specialized construction equipment that work supported by the panels themselves. These robots face the challenge that the global solar panel manufacturing industry lacks standardized panel dimensions. Each brand manufactures its panels in its own specific dimensions, which differ from panels offering the same characteristics but from other manufacturers. Consequently, each solar park has panel arrays of varying dimensions, defined not only by the chosen configuration but also by the panel brand and power output.That is why robots designed for cleaning medium and large facilities are built for a specific width, because if their dimensions do not allow them to completely cover the width of a panel array, they take a long time to clean, as it will be necessary to repeat each pass to completely cover the area to be cleaned.

[0010]

[0008] This means that existing cleaning solutions for large solar parks are custom-built or assembled systems, either by installing a single autonomous unit for each row of panel arrays or by installing one or more cleaning units that move from row to row of panel arrays within the same park for which they were designed. In either case, many different units or robots will be required to clean different solar parks, resulting in high implementation costs and, consequently, higher cleaning costs.

[0011]

[0009] Finally, the first difficulty for machinery-operated or mechanized equipment designed for cleaning large parks is the need for special transport to move them from park to park. Examples include SunBrush systems or Bridge cleaning systems, which consist of a mobile bridge that spans the width of the panel arrays and suspends a rotating brush across the entire width of the panels, moving along the length of the array. The second difficulty is that, when moving over uneven and dusty ground, cleaning cannot be performed at high speed to avoid damaging the panels with the jolts of the brush or cleaning system, or soiling them with dust raised by the machinery itself.Consequently, since large equipment cannot clean at a sufficient speed, in practice it is difficult for the same equipment to be used in different parks, and one of them ends up being permanently located in each installation, which, if we also add its high economic value, again leads us to the same problem, a high cost in the cleaning of solar parks.

[0012]

[0010] Thus, given the above, the present invention arises from the search for “universality,” that is, cleaning solutions primarily for the medium and large-scale solar or photovoltaic generation segment, that do not present the current problems; that is, that adapt to all the particular characteristics of each panel array, thereby reducing the high costs of cleaning solar farms. In this way, the robot of the invention has the capacity to couple with other units of the same equipment line and thus adapt to any type and size of solar panel arrays and at a speed greater than 25 meters per minute of operation, which is currently the maximum average speed of existing equipment.

[0013]

[0011] The invention also seeks to solve the “problem of gaps between rows and panel arrangements,” since in practice automated equipment is unable to navigate these gaps and must be manually disassembled for relocation, slowing down the process and reducing its efficiency.

[0012] This is the objective technical problem (OTP) that the invention aims to solve. Once the OTP is solved, we expect to reduce the high costs of cleaning solar farms and become a universal alternative accessible to everyone. STATE OF THE ART DESCRIPTION

[0014]

[0013] A prior art review has been conducted to identify the closest and most current solutions that, from a technological and conceptual standpoint, are similar to our invention. In this regard, we will address the proposals in patent CL202102001 and patent CN 116274088.

[0015]

[0014] Patent CL202102001 describes a panel cleaning system or robot, particularly for solar or photovoltaic panels. Its operation is based on interconnected, independent modules arranged in a panel array, along with a cleaning element. The system moves across the panel array to clean its surface. It is manufactured in a modular fashion, allowing adaptation to different panel configurations, primarily by adjusting the distance between the modules. The invention aims to minimize electrical generation losses in the panel array and facilitate system assembly, disassembly, and maintenance due to its modular design. However, it does not achieve the universality sought by our invention, nor does it address the issue of gaps between rows and within the array, among other problems.

[0016]

[0015] The differences between the present invention and the system described in document CL202102001 are as follows: a) the described system is modular in terms of its components, but it is not coupled to other systems to increase its coverage width or improve the quality of its cleaning, as is the case with our invention demonstrated in figures 12 and 13; b) the described system is only for dry cleaning, unlike the present invention, which is for both wet and dry cleaning; c) the system of CL202102001 “operates installed in a fixed and autonomous manner in a row of solar panel arrays,” starting and returning from a charging station located at one end of a row of panel arrays, as opposed to the present invention, which is a single unit that is manually operated and moved from row to row of arrays,thus requiring only one or two units for cleaning an entire solar park versus one unit per row of arrays in the other invention; d) the CL202102001 system is designed to operate by cleaning only the top of the panel array, whereas this invention can be moved by cleaning both the top and side of the panel array as shown in Figures 31 and 32, thus allowing cleaning of structures with a steep incline; e) the CL202102001 system is made up, as indicated, of a plurality of cleaning elements or brush sections, requiring the addition or removal of sections to adjust to a different panel array width, which will always be determined by the size of the brushes, meaning that it needs to be disassembled to adjust its cleaning width,Unlike this invention, which only requires moving one of the longitudinal profiles (la, Ib) that support the drive systems along the equipment, whether using a single unit without couplings or coupling a second unit and performing the same adjustment of one of the longitudinal profiles (la, Ib) of the coupled unit; f) another difference between the two developments is that the CL 202102001 system operates on direct current powered by a battery that is charged while the equipment is in its charging station, as opposed to the present development, which will operate powered by electricity through a cable, which can carry direct or alternating current, depending on the location of the current inverter,either on the robot itself or at a distance from it to the other end of the power cable. The current will be supplied by a portable electric generator; g) Another difference between the two inventions is that the other system described above operates at a predetermined fixed speed in a continuous row of panels, which means that it could not operate in a row of panels with a long solar tracking system, which are very common, because these mostly incorporate several discontinuous sections of panels, separated by approximately 20 to 40 centimeters in order to avoid overloading the motors that change the angle of that section of panels and also to optimize solar capture in the different sections along the row of the array; on the contrary, the present invention can operate at different speeds and directions, both in terms of the direction of travel,such as the rotation of the brush(s) (6) or cleaning system and with the ability to overcome panel separations that do not give continuity to the row of the array thanks to the length of its stringer profiles (la, 1b) and the climbing wheel system (3a, 3b, 3c, 3d) at each end of these profiles, which in addition to allowing the passage between these separations of sections, allow the system to overcome differences in alignment of these, which enables it to operate without the need to perfectly align the different sections of a complete solar tracking panel array.

[0017]

[0016] Another patent that could be adapted to different surfaces is patent CN 116274088. Although physically very different from our invention, it incorporates a modular concept that is closer to it than patent CL 202102001. This patent consists of two distinct sections or modules at each end, a head module and a tail module, and a plurality of identical central sections or modules, which can be added or removed between the end sections to adapt the assembly to the final required width, resulting in a single system or piece of equipment. While this invention seeks greater adaptability, it does not fully achieve it since, again, this will be determined by the size of the central sections. Our invention differs from patent CN 116274088 because: a) in our invention each unit is a 100% operational piece of equipment on its own, without requiring the addition or removal of sections to be used,Unlike the Chinese system, which requires a minimum of three modules—two end modules and one central module—to be operational; b) another difference is that in CN 116274088, the motor that transfers power to the system for its movement is also the same motor that rotates the cleaning brushes. This means that low-speed movement results in slower rotation of the cleaning system, reducing its effectiveness and quality on the panels. In contrast, the present invention incorporates independent motors for the translational and rotational movement of the cleaning element(s), which are also controlled independently; c) additionally, both systems differ in the location and method of transferring the traction to generate the equipment's movement. It should be noted that,It is observed that in invention CN 116274088, movement is achieved by transferring traction with tracks or rubber bands directly onto the face of the panels, located between the two cleaning brushes, in the center of the equipment and on its underside. This means that, having to operate with a minimum of three modules or sections, it will have a minimum of six traction transfer areas on the same face of the panel, compromising the quality of the cleaning, since as the traction elements become dirty during cleaning, they leave marks on the panel being cleaned. In this respect, the difference in our invention is that it transfers traction to rubber wheels that are positioned to run on the frame of the panels at the ends of the width of the solar panel array row. d) Another difference is that the Chinese invention can only provide traction on the side of the panel face.Unlike the present invention, which can pull on the frame from the face side of the panels or on the edge of the frame from the side of the panels, thus allowing operation in installations with a very high installation angle. Indeed, the further a solar panel is installed from the Equator, the more inclined it must be to maximize its efficiency; that is, at more extreme latitudes in the northern and southern hemispheres, much greater panel tilt angles are required than at latitudes closer to the Equator. For example, at a latitude of 23° south (latitude of Mejillones, Chile), the ideal tilt angle for installing a solar panel is 22° with respect to the ground, while at a latitude of 53° south (latitude of Punta Arenas, Chile), the ideal installation tilt angle is 47° with respect to the ground. e) Finally,Another important difference is that the invention of CN 116274088 can only operate on a continuous row of panels, meaning it cannot operate on a long row of solar tracking array panels, which are very common. This is because these arrays usually incorporate several discontinuous sections of panels, separated by approximately 20 to 40 centimeters to avoid overloading the motors that change the angle of each panel section and to optimize solar capture in the different sections along the row. In contrast, the present invention can overcome panel gaps that disrupt the row's continuity thanks to the length of its longitudinal profiles (la, 1b) and the climbing wheel system (3a, 3b, 3c, 3d) at each end of these profiles. These profiles, in addition to allowing passage between these section gaps,This allows the system to overcome alignment differences, enabling it to operate without needing to perfectly align the different sections of a complete row of the solar-tracking panel array.

[0018]

[0017] Having presented and compared the patents that we consider closest and that determine the current state of the art, we will point out, along with what has already been mentioned, the main advantages of our invention in comparison with them.

[0019]

[0018] A novel feature, not present in the prior art, and constituting an advantage and novelty of the present invention, is primarily its "coupling capability," as shown in Figures 23 and 26, achieved by moving a longitudinal profile (la, Ib) along the cleaning unit (12) without replacing any original part of the equipment (E). In effect, the equipment can be coupled with one or more units (12-1, 12-2) of the same line and operate together as a single unit, allowing it to be adapted to almost any solar park, or rather, to almost any configuration of solar panels, regardless of brand or size. This coupling can be done in parallel, as shown in Figure 12, or in series, as shown in Figure 13. In the first case, this increases the cleaning quality in a single pass, and in the second case, it expands the coverage width to cover the width of the solar panel arrays.This feature brings us closer to the universal character we seek with this invention.

[0020]

[0019] A second novelty of the equipment that distinguishes it from any other is its unique drive system, which allows it to be adapted to pull on the top face of the panel or on its edge, as shown in Figures 31 and 32, depending on the type of panel arrangement. This allows it to be used in both rows of fixed panel arrangements and rows of movable panel arrangements. This traction element on both sides is a clear advantage that also leads to the universal use of the invention.

[0021]

[0020] Another novel advantage of this invention is the incorporation of climbing wheels (3a, 3b, 3c, 3d) in its drive system, which gives it the ability to overcome large misalignments and gaps between panels in rows of solar panel arrays. This method aims to eliminate any obstacles or impediments in the cleaning operation of any photovoltaic park. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE ACCOMPANYING FIGURES AND NUMERICAL REFERENCE OF COMPONENT ELEMENTS

[0022]

[0021] The following figures are representative of the present invention and will serve as a guide in the chapter describing it. The configurations of the cleaning equipment (E) shown therein should not be considered as limiting the definition of the claimed subject matter:

[0023] - Figure 1: General view of a team (E).

[0024] - Figure 2: Top overview of the equipment. It shows an aerial view allowing an overall idea of ​​the equipment and its components.

[0025] - Figure 3: General view of the equipment from below, elevated to show its components underneath. - Figure 4: General view of the cleaning vessel

[0026] - Figure 5: Detailed view of cleaner ship

[0027] - Figure 6: Detailed view of the underside of the cleaner ship

[0028] - Figure 7: Side view of the equipment

[0029] - Figure 8: View of the equipment without casing

[0030] - Figure 9: Side view 1 of the equipment

[0031] - Figure 10: Side view 2 of the equipment

[0032] - Figure 11: Side view 3 of the equipment

[0033] - Figure 12: Side view of multiple equipment in parallel

[0034] - Figure 13: View of multiple equipment in series

[0035] - Figure 14: View 2 of multiple equipment in series and supplementary support wheel

[0036] - Figure 15: Equipment view on a solar panel array

[0037] - Figure 16: View of multiple equipment in parallel on an array of solar panels

[0038] - Figure 17: View of multiple equipment in series on an array of solar panels

[0039] - Figure 18: Aerial view of multiple equipment in series on an array of solar panels

[0040] - Figure 19: Profiles used in the team

[0041] - Figure 20: Sliding connector between profiles

[0042] - Figure 21: Supplementary support wheel

[0043] - Figure 22: Process for inserting sliding connector between profiles

[0044] - Figure 23: Detail of mechanical interconnection of two cleaning vessels for multiple equipment in parallel

[0045] - Figure 24: Mechanical interconnection of two cleaning vessels for multiple equipment in parallel

[0046] - Figure 25: Side view detail of mechanical connection of two cleaning bays for multiple equipment in parallel

[0047] - Figure 26: Detail of mechanical interconnection of two cleaning vessels for multiple equipment in series

[0048] - Figure 27: Mechanical interconnection of two cleaning vessels for multiple equipment in series

[0049] - Figure 28: Side view detail of mechanical connection of two cleaning bays for multiple equipment in series

[0050] - Figure 29: Manual control

[0051] - Figure 30: Detail of T-piece connecting the longitudinal profiles to the transverse profiles in the lateral traction position - Figure 31: Bottom view of the connection of the longitudinal profiles to provide lateral traction by the edges of the solar panels

[0052] - Figure 32: Top view of the connection of the stringer profiles to provide lateral traction through the edges of the solar panels

[0053]

[0022] The following numerical references to constituent elements of the invention containing the aforementioned figures are presented below; however, these elements should not be considered as limiting the definition of the claimed subject matter.

[0054] (E) Cleaning equipment

[0055] (la) and (lb) Stringer profiles

[0056] (lai) Long support for fixing stringer profile

[0057] (la2) Short mounting brackets for stringer profile

[0058] (2) Housing

[0059] (3a), (3b), (3c) and (3d) Climbing wheels

[0060] (4a), (4b), (4c) and (4d) Traction wheels

[0061] (5a) and (5b) Traction wheel motors

[0062] (6) Rotating cylindrical brush

[0063] (7) Motor that moves cleaning element

[0064] (8a) and (8b) Cross-sections

[0065] (9a) External system of hoses, valves and sprinklers

[0066] (9al) External sprinklers

[0067] (9b) Internal system of hoses, valves and sprinklers

[0068] (9bl) Internal sprinklers

[0069] (9c) Water connection or inlet

[0070] (10) Electrical junction box

[0071] (11) Brush height adjustment bolt

[0072] (12) Cleaning ship or unit

[0073] (12-1) Cleaning ship 1 or unit 1

[0074] (12-2) Cleaning ship 2 or unit 2

[0075] (13) Type of Profile used

[0076] (14) Sliding connector between profiles

[0077] (15) T-bars for joining

[0078] (16) Joining profile (17) Solar panels

[0079] (18) Additional support wheel

[0080] (19) Auxiliary connection T piece or GENERAL DESCRIPTION OF THE 0B1ET0 OF THE INVENTION AND ITS COMPONENTS.

[0081]

[0023] The invention is a universal solar or photovoltaic panel cleaning device (E) (hereinafter referred to interchangeably as the “invention,” “machine,” or “robot”), consisting of one or more coupled units (12-1, 12-2) operated by a manual control, as shown in Figure 29, or an automatic control, and a water (9c) and power (10) connection. It comprises several mechanical elements which, combined and joined to simple parts, constitute the machine (E) and enable its proper operation. We will classify its elements as “essential elements” when they are indispensable for the proper functioning of the device (E) or as “accessory elements” when, while not essential, they are incorporated to increase the efficiency of the process or add functions that improve it.

[0082]

[0024] The essential elements of the equipment:

[0083] • Cleaning vessel (12) consisting of:

[0084] - one or more rotating cylindrical brushes (6) or microfiber cloths or other cleaning element rotating around one or more axes, vibrating or with oscillating movements;

[0085] - one or more motors that move the previous cleaning element (7);

[0086] - a protective housing (2) made of aluminum or other material that keeps the cleaning system covered in the case of wet cleaning; a water or other liquid supply system, consisting of hoses, valves and sprayers (9a, 9b) for wet cleaning;

[0087] - transverse profiles (8a, 8b), two or more, made of aluminum or other material, arranged parallel to the cleaning vessel (12) joining one longitudinal profile (la, Ib) to the other, which provide structural support to the equipment (E); electrical supply system (10) to power the motors, or failing that, a battery; at least two boxes containing the electrical and / or electronic systems necessary for the operation of the equipment (10). The cleaning vessel (12) is located perpendicular to the longitudinal profiles (la, Ib), that is, perpendicular to the row of solar panels.

[0088] • Two longitudinal profiles (la, Ib) are positioned at each end of the cleaning vessel (12), perpendicular to it and parallel to the row of solar panels. At least one of these profiles is movable along the length of the cleaning vessel, allowing it to be adjusted to the width of any solar panel array whose row width differs from that of the equipment (E). If the width of the panel row is greater than the length of the equipment, this longitudinal profile is removed to accommodate another cleaning vessel, and the removed longitudinal profile is then reattached at the desired height at the other end of the cleaning vessel. Therefore, the size of the cleaning vessel (12) is irrelevant, as the longitudinal profile will be positioned as needed.These profiles can also be installed in two positions: one to provide traction on the face or top frame of the solar panels in horizontal installations, installations with a small tilt angle, or installations with solar tracking that can be adjusted to a desired tilt angle for cleaning. The other position involves changing the drive system to a 90-degree angle relative to the unit (E) to provide traction on the side of the panel edges in the case of fixed panel rows. The longitudinal profile (la, Ib) incorporates sensors on each side that detect the end of each row of panels and prevent them from falling.

[0089] • Traction wheels (4a, 4b, 4c, 4d) and motors that transfer movement to them (5a, 5b) and make them rotate, pulling on the panel or on the side edge of the panel, allowing linear and bidirectional displacement (perpendicular to the equipment along the row of solar panels).

[0090] • Climbing wheels (3a, 3b, 3c, 3d), arranged in a star shape at each end of the longitudinal profiles (la, Ib), with the wheels 120 degrees apart. This mechanical element gives the equipment the ability to handle and overcome significant misalignments between panels, as well as to independently traverse panel gaps of more than 70 centimeters, which are common within rows of panel arrays with solar tracking systems and which other equipment typically requires operator assistance to navigate.

[0091]

[0025] Accessory elements may include, among others:

[0092] Indicator lights for direction of operation and / or lighting for nighttime cleaning or in low visibility; • Recording cameras and / or thermal measurement cameras or other cameras to monitor the status of the panels;

[0093] • Global Positioning System (GPS);

[0094] • Sensors for any other purpose that improve this process;

[0095] • Any other physical, mechanical, and electronic system that improves or perfects the large-scale cleaning process.

[0096]

[0026] The above description refers to the cleaning unit (E), but the invention considers that this unit can be coupled with one or more cleaning units (12-1, 12-2) of the same line, whether of the same length or not, operating together or in series. Depending on the units coupled, we will call it a “unit” or a “multiple unit,” and the latter we will call a “multiple unit in series,” as shown in Figure 13, if the units are coupled laterally, thus widening the cleaning area, or a “multiple unit in parallel,” as shown in Figure 12, if the units are coupled in a row, one behind the other, to improve the cleaning quality during the same path of the unit (E) over the panel array.

[0097]

[0027] Each unit (12-1,12-2) has the same essential components and accessories and has the same system or operation, but in the coupling the long profiles of the ends will preferably be used as shown in figures 15,16 and 17 and only one electronic, control and connector system for the operation, so the whole assembly will operate as a single piece of equipment with as many cleaning vessels (12-1,12-2) as required.

[0098]

[0028] The units of a multiple equipment (12-1,12-2) are coupled by interconnecting the power and water since they will maintain a single input connection for each of them and a single manual or automatic control, thus forming a single cleaning equipment (E).

[0099]

[0029] Manual control of the equipment allows you to define the forward or backward direction, the forward speed and acceleration, which allows you to start the movement of the motors in a regulated manner and lower the current consumption when starting the movement.

[0100]

[0030] The control also allows the same adjustments to be made for the brushes, i.e., controlling the direction of rotation, the speed of rotation and the starting acceleration.

[0101]

[0031] Water usage in wet cleaning can also be controlled, decreasing it by up to 50% or increasing it by up to an additional 20% above the design water usage amount.

[0032] Given the above, we believe that both the invented robot itself and the methodology it uses allow us to achieve the desired technical effect, fulfilling the methodology-problem-solution (MPS) approach. Firstly, the novelty of the invention lies in the overall design of the device, which is novel, as well as in the design of the cleaning unit (12).

[0102]

[0033] Secondly, the inventive step is clear, as we have not seen any configurations of photovoltaic panel cleaning devices from whose combination the configuration of the proposed device could be obviously derived. In particular, the method of moving the beam (la, Ib) along the cleaning frame to adapt to any solar panel arrangement, as well as the climbing wheels (3a, 3b, 3c, 3d) arranged in a star shape to overcome uneven terrain, demonstrate the inventive step of the device, which we do not see in any other prior art solution. Furthermore, the mechanism for configuring and interrelating each of the essential elements and accessories is unique and allows for universal use. Thus, if the cleaning brush (6) is shorter than the panel width, another unit (12-1, 12-2) is attached without removing the original.Otherwise, if the panel is narrower than the brush width, the brush will protrude without affecting the attachment of the equipment (E), which is provided by the movable beam. In other words, it is the beams (la, Ib) that are fixed to the width of the panel, not the brush (6), making it very easy to adjust as needed.

[0103]

[0034] Finally, regarding industrial application, there is no doubt. Photovoltaic energy has made considerable inroads worldwide. Its contribution to climate change control is undeniable, as is its impact on the energy mix of various countries. Therefore, the efficiency of solar power plants and their operating conditions are of growing interest to industry. Consequently, the field of application of the invention is broad and international. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES.

[0104]

[0035] Figures 2 and 3 show the unit (E) from different angles, highlighting its individual components. The cross members (8a, 8b) and stringers (la, Ib) are constructed from the extruded aluminum profiles shown in Figure 19. The cross members (8a, 8b) provide the structure for the cleaning frame (12), and the stringers (la, Ib) support the drive wheels (4a, 4b, 4c, 4d) and the climbing wheels (3a, 3b, 3c, 3d).

[0036] Each unit (E) has the same components on both sides as shown in Figure 7, including a water inlet and an electrical junction box. A shut-off valve is located after each water inlet, and the water inlets on both sides are connected by a hose or pipe. The water used by the unit (E) is supplied from this connection.Furthermore, each electrical junction box (10) on each side has at least one power connector and at least two connectors for the wheel motors (5a, 5b), and these are also interconnected by cables. Additional connectors for sensors, lights, or other electronic equipment may be included in these or other electrical boxes to further enhance the equipment's operation.

[0105]

[0037] The water (9c) and power (10) connections between both sides of the cleaning vessel (12) allow one side to be used for water inlet, power, and motor connections, and the other side for electrical and water interconnection between cleaning vessels, or a combination of both. If a single piece of equipment is used for cleaning, it is only necessary to keep the water shut-off valve closed on the side opposite the water inlet connection. In the case of a configuration with multiple pieces of equipment, all water shut-off valves must be open in both cleaning vessels (12-1, 12-2), except for the last one, which must be closed. The last shut-off valve will be the one immediately closest to the single water inlet connection on one side of all interconnected cleaning vessels that does not have any hose connected.

[0106]

[0038] Also on each side of the equipment (E) there is a bolt that regulates the height on that side of the brush (6) or cleaning element, which can be operated manually or mechanically.

[0107]

[0039] The brush (6) or cleaning element is moved by one or two motors (7), which can transfer the movement to the cleaning element directly, or indirectly through belts as shown in Figure 10, gears, chains and other means of transmitting driving force.

[0108]

[0040] The wet cleaning system includes an internal and two external humidification systems consisting of hoses or pipes, nozzles, sprayers, injectors, or other components, and electric or manual flow and shut-off valves (9a, 9b). The internal system is located in the upper interior of the housing (2) and, to conserve water, operates only while the brush or cleaning element is in use, regardless of the equipment's forward direction (E) or the cleaning element's rotation direction. This humidification system is designed to keep the brush (6) or cleaning element moist and clean. The external systems are located on the long sides of the equipment and are designed to pre-wet the area to be cleaned before the cleaning element passes over it.These systems only function when the equipment is in motion, with only the external system on the forward side operating, while the system on the opposite side remains closed, regardless of the brush's direction of rotation. When the equipment's direction of movement changes, the operation of the external wetting system is reversed, with the other side, now the forward side, which was previously inactive, now operating.

[0109]

[0041] The drive wheels (4a, 4b, 4c, 4d), which may be four individual wheels, four sets of wheels, two or more tracks, or any other drive system, are driven by at least two motors (5a, 5b), which may transfer motion directly to the wheels or their axles or indirectly through belts, chains, gears, or other power transmission systems. Figure 2 shows equipment (E) with a system having two motors, one at each end of the equipment, mounted on the longitudinal profiles.

[0110]

[0042] Both the drive wheels (4a, 4b, 4c, 4d) and the climbing wheels (3a, 3b, 3c, 3d) are fixed to the longitudinal profiles at a fixed height. In figures 3 and 10, it can be seen that the drive wheels (4a, 4b, 4c, 4d) are fixed to an axle that also has a pulley attached, which receives the movement by a belt from the motor, but a motor could also be used on each wheel, connected to each other by the same axle, or another form of motive power transfer. The traction wheels (4a, 4b, 4c, 4d) are the only ones that are decidedly supported and bear the weight of the equipment, while the stepped wheels (3a, 3b, 3c, 3d) are slightly above the surface or slightly supported or touching the surface, since their only objective and purpose is to allow overcoming uneven panels or panel separations without the need for external supports or for the equipment (E) to be assisted.The maximum gap between panels that the equipment can overcome will depend on the size of the equipment, specifically the distance between the climbing wheels and the cleaning platform. A 2-meter-long piece of equipment can easily overcome a 70-centimeter gap between panels, so a larger piece of equipment can exceed that distance.

[0111]

[0043] The drive wheels (4a, 4b, 4c, 4d) can incorporate a damping system, either spring-loaded or with a shock absorber, which will increase the smoothness of the movement when crossing panel joints and gaps between panels. This will also provide better ability to overcome misalignments and height differences, improve cleaning quality at these points, and increase traction transfer to the surface when crossing misalignments, panel joints, imperfections, and gaps. The drive wheels can be attached to the stringer profiles (la, Ib) using a fork, a tubular profile, a plate, an angle profile, or any other element that allows the wheel to be securely fixed without lateral movement.

[0112]

[0044] To operate on solar panel arrays with little inclination, the traction of the wheels is carried out directly on the same face that is being cleaned, on the panel itself or preferably on the edges of these, as seen in figure 15. In this case the longitudinal profiles (la, Ib) are fixed directly to the transverse profiles (8a, 8b) with long fixing supports (lal) on one side and short ones on the other (la2), using bolts and sliding nuts for that type of profile used, which allows fixing the longitudinal profiles at any point along the length of the transverse profiles, thus allowing the location of the traction wheels (4a, 4b, 4c, 4d) and climbing wheels (3a, 3b, 3c, 3d) to be adjusted to the desired width, either by placing them on the edge of the ends of the solar panel array or on some intermediate part.

[0113]

[0045] To operate in solar panel arrays with a greater inclination, such as fixed arrays, the traction of the wheels should preferably be carried out on the side edge of the solar panels for which the longitudinal profiles (la, Ib) are each fixed to 2 auxiliary T-connecting pieces (19), which must previously be fixed to the transverse profiles (8a, 8b) on the side of these and of the casing (2), as shown in figures 31 and 32. Additionally in this configuration the supplementary support wheels (18) must be used on each side of the casing, placing them near the edge of the panels as also seen in figures 31 and 32, wheels that will support the partial support of the equipment on the cleaning plane.The longitudinal profiles (la, Ib) are fixed to the auxiliary T-pieces of connection (19) with the long fixing supports (lal) on one side and short ones on the other (la2), using bolts and sliding nuts for that type of profile used, which allows the longitudinal profiles (la, Ib) to be fixed to each auxiliary T-piece of connection (19) just as they are fixed to the transverse profiles (8a, 8b) when the tension is carried out on the face of the panels.

[0114]

[0046] This allows a unit (E) to be easily and quickly adjusted on-site to any solar panel array width equal to or less than the unit's length. If the cleaning brush (6) is longer than the solar panel array width, it will protrude without affecting the connection of the stringer profiles (la, Ib) or the unit's operation or cleaning quality. Conversely, if the solar panel array width is greater than the brush length of a unit, it can be interconnected with another similar unit to form a multiple unit, in this case, a multiple unit in series as shown in Figure 13, which would allow for an increased cleaning width. As many units as required can be connected as long as the power source can meet the overall energy consumption.

[0115]

[0047] The interconnection between 2 cleaning vessels (12-1,12-2) is carried out physically or mechanically, by means of one or more joining profiles (16) or connection fixed on both sides of it with one of the transverse profiles of each cleaning vessel by means of several sliding connectors (14) of figure 20, which are fixed on the sides of the transverse profiles (la, Ib) as shown in figure 22 and then the connection profile is introduced to then also fix one or more T joining bars (15), which, by means of bolts and nuts for these profiles, are fixed both to both transverse profiles of each cleaning vessel (2), as well as to the joining profile (16) under the T joining bar (15), as can be seen in figures 23 to 28.

[0116]

[0048] In addition to the mechanical interconnection, a water and electrical interconnection is made between the cleaning vessels using a hose with female connectors at both ends and a power cable also with similar connectors at both ends. The female connectors correspond to the male water inlet connectors at the ends of each cleaning vessel, and the electrical connectors on the interconnecting cable are the connectors opposite the power inlet connectors on both sides of the cleaning vessel.

[0117]

[0049] Both the interconnection for a multiple equipment in series as in figure 13, and in parallel according to figure 12, is carried out in the same way, mechanically and with the interconnection of water and energy, however, when making the mechanical connection between two cleaning vessels (12-1, 12-2), these will be offset, connecting the last part of one cleaning vessel with the beginning of the other, for which it is preferable to remove the stringer profile (la, Ib) from one of the cleaning vessels and thus preferably leave only 2 stringer profiles, adjusting one at each end of the width of the solar panel array. Due to the length of the joint structure, support may be required in the center or near the joining point of both cleaning vessels, so the equipment includes 2 support wheels (18) shown in figure 21, which are not normally required during unit use, but may be required in a system connected in series, as shown in figures 13 and 14.

[0118]

[0050] If the traction of a multiple team in series with 2 stringer profiles (la, Ib) is insufficient, it is possible to add one or two more stringer profiles anywhere along the length of any of the cleaning vessels (12-1, 12-2) because we remember that each team (E) has 2 of these profiles and when interconnecting them in series, initially only one of each team is used, the one on the outside, while the stringer profiles on the side being interconnected are removed.

[0119] ACCOMPANIED FIGURES

[0120] - Figure 1: General view of a team (E).

[0121] - Figure 2: Top overview of the equipment. It shows an aerial view allowing an overall idea of ​​the equipment and its components.

[0122] - Figure 3: General view below the equipment, which is elevated to appreciate its components below.

[0123] - Figure 4: General view of cleaning vessel

[0124] - Figure 5: Detailed view of cleaner ship

[0125] - Figure 6: Detailed view of the underside of the cleaner ship

[0126] - Figure 7: Side view of the equipment

[0127] - Figure 8: View of the equipment without casing

[0128] - Figure 9: Side view 1 of the equipment

[0129] - Figure 10: Side view 2 of the equipment

[0130] - Figure 11: Side view 3 of the equipment

[0131] - Figure 12: Side view of multiple equipment in parallel

[0132] - Figure 13: View of multiple equipment in series and supplementary support wheel

[0133] - Figure 14: View 2 of multiple equipment in series and supplementary support wheel

[0134] - Figure 15: Equipment view on a solar panel array

[0135] - Figure 16: View of multiple equipment in parallel on an array of solar panels

[0136] - Figure 17: View of multiple equipment in series on an array of solar panels

[0137] - Figure 18: Aerial view of multiple equipment in series on an array of solar panels

[0138] - Figure 19: Profiles used in the team

[0139] - Figure 20: Sliding connector between profiles

[0140] - Figure 21: Supplementary support wheel

[0141] - Figure 22: Process for inserting sliding connector between profiles

[0142] - Figure 23: Detail of mechanical interconnection of two cleaning vessels for multiple equipment in parallel

[0143] - Figure 24: Mechanical interconnection of two cleaning vessels for multiple equipment in parallel

[0144] - Figure 25: Side view detail of mechanical connection of two cleaning bays for multiple equipment in parallel

[0145] - Figure 26: Detail of mechanical interconnection of two cleaning vessels for multiple equipment in series

[0146] - Figure 27: Mechanical interconnection of two cleaning vessels for multiple equipment in series

[0147] - Figure 28: Side view detail of mechanical connection of two cleaning bays for multiple equipment in series

[0148] - Figure 29: Manual control

[0149] - Figure 30: Detail of T-piece connecting the longitudinal profiles to the transverse profiles in the lateral traction position

[0150] - Figure 31: Bottom view of the connection of the stringer profiles to provide lateral traction along the edges of the solar panels - Figure 32: Top view of the connection of the stringer profiles to provide lateral traction along the edges of the solar panels

[0151] Team members:

[0152] (E) Cleaning equipment

[0153] (a) and (Ib) Longitudinal profiles

[0154] (lal) Long support for fixing stringer profile

[0155] (la2) Short mounting brackets for stringer profile

[0156] (2) Housing

[0157] (3a), (3b), (3c) and (3d) Climbing wheels

[0158] (4a), (4b), (4c) and (4d) Traction wheels

[0159] (5a) and (5b) Traction wheel motors

[0160] (6) Rotating cylindrical brush

[0161] (7) Motor that moves cleaning element

[0162] (8a) and (8b) Cross-sections

[0163] (9a) External system of hoses, valves and sprinklers

[0164] (9al) External sprinklers

[0165] (9b) Internal system of hoses, valves and sprinklers

[0166] (9bl) Internal sprinklers

[0167] (9c) Water inlet

[0168] (10) Electrical junction box

[0169] (11) Brush height adjustment bolt

[0170] (12) Cleaning ship or unit

[0171] (12-1) Cleaning ship 1 or unit 1

[0172] (12-2) Cleaning ship 2 or unit 2

[0173] (13) Type of Profile used

[0174] (14) Sliding connector between profiles

[0175] (15) T-bars for joining

[0176] (16) Joint profile

[0177] (17) Solar panels

[0178] (18) Additional support wheel

[0179] (19) Auxiliary connection T-piece

Claims

AMENDED CLAIMS received by the International Bureau on February 25, 2026 (25.02.2026) 1. A universally applicable solar or photovoltaic panel cleaning equipment (E), CHARACTERIZED in that it comprises at least: - one or more units (12, 12-1, 12-2) coupled together, controlled, in any case, by a single manual or automatic control and a single water (9c) and power (10) connection; - cleaning vessel (12) with: a rotating cleaning brush (6); a motor that allows movement of the brush (7); an electrical connection (10); a housing (2); a water connection (9c) for wet cleaning; a system of hoses, valves and water sprayers (9a, 9b); one or more transverse profiles (8a, 8b) that join longitudinal profiles (la, Ib), capable of being coupled to another unit of the same series to operate together simultaneously. - two longitudinal profiles (la, Ib) located at each end of the cleaning vessel (12), at least one of which is movable along the brush (6) or casing (2) that covers it; - traction wheels (4a, 4b, 4c, 4d) and motors that transfer the movement to it (7), located in each of the longitudinal profiles (la, Ib); - climbing wheels (3a, 3b, 3c, 3d) at the ends of the longitudinal profiles that allow passing through gaps between panels; - a single manual or automatic control that commands the movement of the traction wheels (4a, 4b, 4c, 4d) and the cleaning brush (6), directing their speed and direction; and the system in which the combination of these components interact, which allows the equipment to adapt in the best way to any configuration and characteristic of panel arrangement, and to be able to overcome significant misalignments and separations between panels.

2. The equipment according to claim 1, CHARACTERIZED in that it comprises at least one cylindrical brush (6), microfiber cloths or other cleaning element driven by a motor that allows its movement (7) around one or more axes and in both directions of the row of solar panel array.

3. The equipment according to any of claims 1 to 2, CHARACTERIZED in that it comprises a system of hoses, valves and water or other liquid sprayers (9a, 9b), arranged inside and / or outside a housing (2) of aluminum or other material that keeps the cleaning system covered in case of wet cleaning, which is connected between units when more than one is required for the process.

4. The equipment according to any of claims 1 to 3, CHARACTERIZED by the configuration of the “cleaning unit” (12), which for wet cleaning comprises: the rotating brush (6), the motor that drives it (7), electrical supply connection (10), transverse profiles (8a, 8b), protective housing (2), a water or other liquid supply system (9c), and a system of hoses, valves and sprayers (9a, 9b); and for dry cleaning, it does not have a housing. protective (2), a water or other liquid supply system (9c), and a system of hoses, valves and sprinklers (9a, 9b).

5. The equipment according to any of claims 1 to 4, CHARACTERIZED in that it comprises a connection to an electrical supply (10) or failing that, a battery arrangement, preferably located in the housing (2) or the cross-sectional profile (8a, 8b).

6. The equipment according to any of claims 1 to 5, CHARACTERIZED in that it comprises at least two longitudinal profiles (la, Ib) of aluminum or other resistant material, preferably located at each end of the cleaning vessel (12), perpendicular to it and parallel to the row of solar panel array; at least one of which is movable and displaceable along the brush (6) or housing (2) to adjust to the size of the solar panel array.

7. The equipment according to any of claims 1 to 6, CHARACTERIZED in that it comprises longitudinal profiles (la, Ib) suitable for being installed with respect to the solar panel in 2 positions, at 90 degrees to each other, in such a way that the traction of its wheels operates on the face of the solar panel and / or the side of the edge of the panels in installations with a steeper slope.

8. The equipment according to any of claims 1 to 7, CHARACTERIZED in that it comprises four or more traction wheels (4a, 4b, 4c, 4d), or any other traction system, arranged on the longitudinal profiles (1a, 1b) and driven by one or more motors (5a, 5b) that transfer the movement to them and cause them to rotate, pulling on the face or the side of the edge of the panel, and allowing linear and bidirectional displacement along the row of solar panels.

9. The equipment according to any of claims 1 to 8, CHARACTERIZED in that it comprises four trios of climbing wheels (3a, 3b, 3c, 3d) or other configuration, arranged in a star shape at each end of the longitudinal profiles (la, Ib) as a mechanical element that gives the equipment (E) the ability to cope with and overcome misalignments between panels, and to cross panel separations of up to 70 centimeters on its own.

10. The equipment according to any of claims 1 to 9, CHARACTERIZED in that it comprises a method of moving along the row of solar panels, which, by the way in which the components of the equipment (E) interact and are arranged, allows it to overcome significant misalignments and gaps between panels, without the need to disassemble the cleaning apparatus or bridge those gaps.

11. The equipment according to any of claims 1 to 10, CHARACTERIZED in that it comprises a combination of components which, by the way in which they interact with each other and by how they are arranged, allows the equipment to adapt in the best way to any configuration and panel arrangement characteristic.

12. The equipment according to any of claims 1 to 11, CHARACTERIZED in that it comprises at least one transverse profile (8a, 8b), made of aluminum or other resistant material, which joins the longitudinal profiles (la, Ib) at their center and supports the rotating brush (6).

13. The equipment according to any of claims 1 to 12, CHARACTERIZED in that it comprises a manual or automatic control that mainly commands the movement of the drive wheels (4a, 4b, 4c, 4d) and the cleaning brush (6), directing their speed and direction, as well as the operation of sensors, lights and other elements that may be incorporated for its improvement.

14. The equipment according to any of claims 1 to 13, CHARACTERIZED in that it comprises a modular cleaning system consisting of one or more units that can be coupled together, with the ability to operate together under a single control and a single external water and power connection.

15. The equipment according to any of claims 1 to 14, CHARACTERIZED in that the configuration of the equipment allows one or more units to be coupled in parallel, one after the other, to improve the quality of cleaning, or in series, one next to the other, but offset, to adapt to the size and arrangement of the solar panels.

16. The equipment according to any of claims 1 to 15, CHARACTERIZED in that the configuration of the equipment allows that, to clean the surface of different types of panel arrangements, it is only necessary to add one or more cleaning units, whether one or more cleaning vessels or another complete apparatus.

17. The equipment according to any of claims 1 to 16, CHARACTERIZED in that the configuration of the equipment (E) allows the movable beam profile (la or Ib) to be fixed to the cleaning vessel (12) according to the need and size of the panel arrangement, and not the new unit to have to adapt its measurements to cover the surface not covered by the first one.

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