Solar collector cleaning device
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Solar modules and collectors face reduced energy production due to dust and dirt accumulation on their surfaces, which existing cleaning technologies fail to address effectively and efficiently.
Innovation Solution
A robotic cleaning device equipped with sensors and a control unit that detects the edges of solar collectors, adjusts its operation, and uses a combination of brush and squeegee modules to clean the surfaces, ensuring uniform pressure and efficient removal of particulates while maintaining alignment with the collector edges.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If manual cleaning methods are used, then cleaning can be performed, but labor costs and time consumption increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The cleaning device is equipped with sensors that automatically detect edges and triggers that autonomously deploy and retract cleaning elements, enabling the system to clean itself without continuous human intervention and maintaining operation continuity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical cleaning operations with an automated robotic system that uses sensors, control units, and motorized mechanisms to perform cleaning tasks, thereby eliminating labor-intensive manual operations
2Reliability
If cleaning elements are always in contact with the solar collector, then cleaning can be performed, but the risk of damage to the collector surface increases
Solution Approach 1:
The cleaning elements are designed to be dynamically deployable and retractable based on operational conditions. The system deploys cleaning elements only when needed for cleaning and retracts them when not in use, reducing the risk of accidental damage while maintaining cleaning effectiveness
Solution Approach 2:
The sensors detect edge positions and trigger the deployment of cleaning elements in advance before actual cleaning contact is needed, ensuring proper positioning and reducing the risk of unintended surface contact
3Productivity
If the cleaning device operates at high speed, then productivity increases, but the precision of edge detection and alignment decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit continuously receives feedback from sensors detecting edge positions and adjusts the operation of drivers and cleaning elements in real-time, maintaining alignment precision even at higher operating speeds through closed-loop control
4Ease of operation
If multiple drivers are used to propel the cleaning device, then movement control improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple drivers are integrated into a coordinated system where each driver serves multiple functions: propulsion, positioning, and triggering cleaning element deployment. The control unit manages all drivers through a unified control strategy, reducing operational complexity despite the increased number of components
Data Source
AI summary
An autonomous solar collector cleaning device includes at least one main shaft, a first driver attached to a first end of the at least one main shaft, and a second driver attached to a second end of the at least one main shaft. The first and second drivers propel the cleaning device along a surface of the solar collector. A first sensor is attached to the first driver to detect an edge of the solar collector, and a second sensor is attached to the second driver to detect the edge of the solar collector. A control circuit maintains alignment of the cleaning device with respect to the solar collector based on outputs from the first and second sensors.