Solar Panel Robot Docking Station Layout for Safe Tracker Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Automatic robots used for cleaning solar panels in photovoltaic power plants face challenges related to docking, including obstacle avoidance and path planning, which affect their efficiency and safety.
Innovation Solution
A system and method for determining parameters for the setup of docking stations, involving user input for initial parameters, processing to determine secondary parameters, and rendering these parameters to guide the installation and navigation of electronic devices, such as robots, for efficient solar panel cleaning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If manual cleaning is used, then labor intensity and time consumption are reduced, but cleaning efficiency and operational cost are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The cleaning robot is equipped with autonomous navigation capabilities, obstacle detection sensors, and automated cleaning mechanisms that enable it to perform cleaning tasks independently without human intervention. The robot autonomously navigates to solar panels, detects obstacles, executes cleaning operations, and returns to the docking station for recharging, thereby achieving self-service cleaning that improves productivity while maintaining manageable system complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical cleaning with an automated robotic system that uses sensors, processors, and automated actuators. The robotic cleaner substitutes human labor with intelligent machinery that can autonomously navigate, detect, and clean solar panels, significantly improving cleaning efficiency while the modular design keeps system complexity controlled
2Ease of operation
If automatic cleaning robots are deployed, then operational cost is reduced, but docking challenges and navigation safety are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The docking system incorporates multiple sensors (optical, ultrasonic, or magnetic) that provide real-time feedback about the robot's position relative to the docking station. The processor continuously monitors this feedback and adjusts the navigation commands to ensure precise docking. This closed-loop feedback mechanism enhances docking reliability while maintaining low operational costs through automated operation
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary navigation planning and obstacle detection before the robot approaches the docking station. The processor pre-calculates the optimal docking path and identifies potential obstacles in advance, allowing the robot to execute smooth and reliable docking maneuvers. This preliminary action reduces docking failures and improves overall reliability
3Reliability
If docking station parameters are not optimized, then installation simplicity is maintained, but robot navigation efficiency and safety are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The system determines optimal docking station parameters (such as gap distance, slope angle, and angular alignment) based on the specific solar panel configuration and robot dimensions. By calculating and adjusting these parameters, the system achieves reliable robot navigation and safe docking operations while the parameters are derived automatically, minimizing manual installation complexity
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method for determination of parameters for the set up of docking stations for electronic devices used in photovoltaic power plants. The system obtains user input comprising a first set of parameters associated with a docking station for an electronic device from a user device. Further, the system determines a second set of parameters associated with the docking station based on the first set of parameters. Furthermore, the system renders the determined second set of parameters including a first parameter indicative of a gap between a docking station frame associated with the docking station and a module edge associated with a solar panel of the set of solar panels, a second parameter indicative of a design slope between the docking station frame and the module edge, and a third parameter indicative of a maximum angular difference between the docking station and an adjacent solar panel of a first tracker.