Autonomous Robotic Solar Tracker Cleaning Using Waterless Air Flow
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing solar tracker cleaning systems face challenges in maintaining efficiency due to dust and soiling, as they often require water and heavy robotic cleaners that can damage anti-reflective coatings and are not effective in varying wind conditions.
Innovation Solution
A waterless solar tracker cleaning system utilizing an autonomous robotic cleaner (ARC) with a docking station, equipped with a rechargeable power source, cleaning cylinder, and motion sensor, which navigates and cleans solar trackers at a predetermined angle using directional air flow, minimizing contact and preserving coatings, and anchors during strong winds.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If heavy robotic cleaners are used to clean solar trackers, then cleaning effectiveness is improved, but the anti-reflective coating on solar panels is damaged
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical brush-based cleaning systems with a waterless air flow system. The robotic cleaner uses directed air streams to remove dust and debris from solar panels without physical contact, eliminating the mechanical force that damages anti-reflective coatings while maintaining cleaning effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention employs pneumatic mechanisms to generate controlled air flows for cleaning purposes. Compressors or fans create directed air streams that blow dust off the solar panel surfaces, providing a non-contact cleaning method that avoids mechanical damage to the coating.
2Productivity
If water is used for cleaning solar trackers, then cleaning effectiveness is improved, but water consumption increases and wind conditions affect operation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts water from the cleaning process entirely, developing a waterless cleaning system. By removing the water component, the system eliminates water consumption concerns and operates effectively in wind conditions where water-based systems would be compromised by evaporation, splashing, or inability to maintain proper spray patterns.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses pneumatic air flow instead of hydraulic water spray for cleaning. This substitution allows the cleaner to operate in various weather conditions including windy environments, as compressed air is not affected by wind in the same way liquid spray would be, and eliminates all water consumption.
3Adaptability or versatility
If robotic cleaners operate under varying wind conditions, then operational flexibility is improved, but robot stability and safety deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs anchoring mechanisms that provide counteracting forces to stabilize the robotic cleaner against wind forces. The system includes anchors or clamps that secure the robot to the solar tracker structure, creating a stable platform that resists wind-induced movement while allowing operation in moderate wind conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The robotic cleaner incorporates dynamic stabilization features that allow it to adapt to varying wind conditions. The system can adjust its position, engage anchors when needed, and modify its operational parameters based on real-time wind conditions, providing both stability and operational flexibility across a range of wind speeds.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The system effectively cleans solar trackers without water, preserving anti-reflective coatings and operating safely under various wind conditions, enhancing solar energy production efficiency while reducing maintenance costs.
Implementation Method 1
The fins rotate for generating a directional air flow for pushing dirt off of the surface of the solar tracker
Data Source
AI summary
A solar tracker waterless cleaning system for cleaning solar panels of a solar tracker being able to be positioned at a pre-determined angle, including a docking station and an autonomous robotic cleaner (ARC), the docking station coupled with an edge of the solar tracker, the ARC including at least one rechargeable power source, at least one cleaning cylinder and a controller, the cleaning cylinder including a plurality of fins which rotates for generating a directional air flow for pushing dirt off of the surface of the solar tracker without water, the controller including a motion sensor for determining an angle of the solar tracker and a heading of the ARC, the docking station including at least one electrical connector for recharging the rechargeable power source, the controller for controlling a cleaning process of the ARC and for transmitting and receiving signals to and from the ARC.