Waterless cleaning system and method for solar trackers using an autonomous robot
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current solar tracker cleaning methods require significant water usage and can damage anti-reflective coatings due to the weight and pressure of robotic cleaners, leading to inefficiencies and increased maintenance costs.
Innovation Solution
A waterless solar tracker cleaning system utilizing lightweight autonomous robotic cleaners (ARCs) equipped with 6-axis motion sensors, rechargeable power sources, and cleaning cylinders with microfiber fins that exert minimal pressure, allowing for efficient navigation and cleaning without damaging the anti-reflective coatings.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If traditional robotic cleaners are used to clean solar trackers, then cleaning effectiveness is improved, but the anti-reflective coating is damaged due to weight and pressure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the anti-weight principle by using a robotic cleaner that anchors itself to the rear edge of the solar tracker and uses a cable system to counteract its weight. The robot's weight is supported by the cable tension rather than being borne by the solar panels, allowing the cleaner to exert minimal pressure on the anti-reflective coating while maintaining cleaning effectiveness
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a cable as an intermediary element between the robotic cleaner and the solar tracker structure. The cable transmits the anchoring force from the rear edge to the cleaner, enabling the robot to operate without directly pressing on the solar panels with its full weight, thus protecting the coating while enabling cleaning
2Productivity
If water-based cleaning methods are used, then cleaning efficiency is improved, but water consumption increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts water from the cleaning process entirely, using a dry mechanical cleaning mechanism instead. The robotic cleaner uses a cleaning element that physically removes dirt and debris from the solar panels through mechanical action alone, eliminating the need for water consumption while maintaining cleaning efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the water-based cleaning system with a purely mechanical cleaning system. Instead of using water to wash away contaminants, the robot employs a mechanical cleaner that physically removes soiling through contact and friction, substituting fluid dynamics with mechanical forces
3Productivity
If heavy robotic cleaners are deployed, then cleaning capability is improved, but navigation and movement over solar trackers becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The robotic cleaner uses a cable system anchored at the rear edge to counteract its weight, allowing it to move across the solar panels without relying on friction or pressure. The cable supports the robot's weight, enabling easy navigation and positioning even though the robot has sufficient mass for effective cleaning
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic movement by allowing the robotic cleaner to be positioned and repositioned along the cable at different locations on the solar tracker. The system transitions from a static cleaning approach to a dynamic one where the robot can move freely along the supported path, enhancing both capability and ease of operation
Data Source
AI summary
Solar tracker waterless cleaning system for cleaning solar tracker solar panels, the solar tracker being able to be positioned at a pre-determined angle, the system including a docking station and an autonomous robotic cleaner (ARC), the ARC including at least one rechargeable power source, at least one cleaning cylinder and a controller, the controller including a 6-axis motion sensor, the 6-axis motion sensor including an accelerometer and an electronic gyroscope, the docking station including at least one electrical connector for recharging the power source, the cleaning cylinder for cleaning dirt off of the solar tracker without water, the 6-axis motion sensor for determining an angle of the solar tracker and a heading of the ARC, wherein the ARC anchors in the docking station and cleans the solar tracker positioned at the pre-determined angle and wherein the 6-axis motion sensor is used for navigating the ARC over the solar tracker surface.