Mobile Solar Panel Cleaning for High-Pressure Dirt Removal
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current solar panel cleaning methods, such as manual scrubbing, fixed sprinkler systems, and robotic cleaners, are either costly, labor-intensive, or ineffective in removing solid dirt like bird feces and mud, and often result in dirt accumulation at the panel edges, leading to reduced efficiency and durability.
Innovation Solution
A system combining high-pressure water sprinkling and frictional movement on solar panels, with adjustable nozzles and a mobile assembly that travels along the panels, using jet sprinklers and dedicated sprinklers to remove dirt from the edges, and a control system for efficient operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If manual scrubbing with mechanical brush and water pressure is used, then high level of cleaning is achieved, but expensive manual labor and safety risks result in low cleaning frequency
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables solar panels to clean themselves through an automated mechanism that requires minimal human intervention. The mobile assembly with sprinklers and brushes operates autonomously along the panel array, washing panels without continuous manual labor while maintaining high cleaning quality and frequency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical scrubbing system with an automated mobile cleaning assembly. This assembly uses water pressure from sprinklers combined with mechanical brushing action, eliminating the need for human operators while maintaining effective cleaning capability.
2Ease of manufacture
If fixed sprinkler systems are used, then installation is simplified, but water pressure is reduced due to multiple sprinklers consuming water, making it ineffective for removing solid dirt
Solution Approach 1:
The cleaning system is divided into mobile segments that move along the panel array rather than having fixed sprinklers at every location. The mobile assembly concentrates water delivery at one location at a time, maintaining high water pressure while covering the entire array through sequential movement.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from a static fixed sprinkler configuration to a dynamic mobile assembly that moves along the panels. This mobility allows the system to concentrate water resources at the active cleaning location, maintaining high pressure while covering the entire array through sequential treatment.
3Extent of automation
If robotic cleaning systems are used, then high level of cleaning and automated operation are achieved, but high costs and technical complexity for installation and maintenance increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the complex robotic elements (sensors, motors, generators, controllers) from the cleaning system and replaces them with a simpler mobile assembly that can be manually positioned and operated. This maintains automated cleaning capability while eliminating the complex electronic and mechanical control systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses simpler, less expensive components that can be easily replaced if needed, rather than investing in complex robotic systems with expensive sensors and control mechanisms. The mobile assembly uses basic mechanical elements and water delivery systems that are cost-effective and easier to maintain.
4Ease of manufacture
If sprinkler-based water cleaning methods are used, then water delivery is simplified, but solid dirt such as birds' feces, dust and mud accumulates at the lower frame instead of being removed
Solution Approach 1:
The system merges water sprinkling with mechanical brushing action in the mobile assembly. The combination of water pressure to loosen dirt and mechanical brushes to physically scrape and remove solid contaminants addresses the limitation of water-only systems while maintaining relative simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The mobile assembly acts as an intermediary between the water delivery system and the panel surface. It combines water application with mechanical brushing action, mediating the cleaning process to effectively remove solid dirt that water alone cannot eliminate while preventing accumulation at the lower frame.
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
This solution provides a cost-effective, efficient, and simple method for cleaning solar panels, effectively removing solid and solidified dirt, including bird feces and mud, while preventing accumulation at the panel edges, thus maintaining high productivity and extending panel durability.
Implementation Method 1
a water feeding assembly for feeding water to the mobile assembly, the water feeding assembly connects to and is in fluid communication with the mobile assembly
Implementation Method 2
combines water sprinkling at high pressure and frictional movement on the surface of the protecting glass of the panels
Data Source
AI summary
A system for cleaning solar panels, the system comprising: a mobile assembly for cleaning solar panels, where the mobile assembly is movable over cover surface of the solar panels, a stationary assembly for moving the mobile assembly, where the stationary assembly is fixed relative the solar panels; a water feeding assembly for feeding water to the mobile assembly, the water feeding assembly connects to and is in fluid communication with the mobile assembly; and a control and command cabinet for controlling operation of the mobile assembly, stationary assembly and water feeding assembly, where the stationary assembly connects mechanically to the mobile assembly and is configured to travel the mobile assembly over the cover surface of the solar panels according to commands delivered from the control and command cabinet.