Solar Panel Cleaning Member With Rain-Triggered Bidirectional Wiping
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing solar panel cleaning devices are inefficient and environmentally unfriendly, often leaving residual debris and failing to utilize rain intensity effectively for cleaning, posing risks and high costs in maintenance.
Innovation Solution
An autonomous solar panel cleaning device that senses rain intensity and uses interchangeable cleaning inserts, such as pads, brushes, or wipers, for uni- or bi-directional movement, eliminating the need for external fluid sources and allowing for adaptive cleaning based on environmental conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If roller cleaning brushes are used to sweep debris off solar panels, then the cleaning system is straightforward to operate, but residual debris remains on the panel surface
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple cleaning mechanisms (brushes for sweeping, pads for wiping, and water spray systems for rinsing) into a single integrated cleaning device. This merging of functions allows the system to achieve complete cleaning by sequentially applying different cleaning actions, eliminating residual debris that would remain when using only roller brushes.
Solution Approach 2:
The cleaning system operates continuously through multiple stages: initial brushing to remove loose debris, followed by pad wiping to capture remaining particles, and finally water spraying to rinse the surface. This continuous multi-stage action ensures complete cleaning without leaving residual debris, addressing the limitation of single-stage roller brush systems.
2Extent of automation
If a rain sensor is used to activate cleaning, then the system operates automatically, but it cannot detect rain intensity and misses the opportunity to utilize rain for cleaning assistance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates a rain sensor that provides feedback to the control system about both the presence and intensity of rainfall. This feedback mechanism allows the system to automatically adjust its operation - activating cleaning only when appropriate rain intensity is detected, and utilizing the rainwater itself as a cleaning resource, thereby combining automatic operation with environmental adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses naturally occurring rainwater as a cleaning resource when sufficient rainfall is detected. Instead of requiring external water supplies or energy-intensive pumping, the device harnesses the rain itself to assist in the cleaning process, making the system self-sufficient and adaptable to environmental conditions while maintaining automatic operation.
3Productivity
If water reservoirs with flocculent solutions are used for cleaning, then cleaning can be performed, but the system is environmentally unfriendly and largely ineffective
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces expensive, environmentally harmful chemical flocculants with simple, natural resources - primarily rainwater and mechanical cleaning elements. The system uses disposable-like simplicity in its approach, relying on physical cleaning mechanisms rather than chemical solutions, thereby maintaining effective cleaning capability while eliminating environmental harm associated with chemical runoff.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using harmful chemical solutions, the system converts naturally occurring rainwater - which would otherwise be wasted - into a beneficial cleaning resource. By harvesting and utilizing rainwater for panel cleaning, the system transforms a natural phenomenon into a useful function, achieving effective cleaning without environmental contamination from chemicals.
4Productivity
If cleaning crews manually clean solar panels in remote areas, then cleaning can be performed, but labor costs are considerable and safety risks from falls are serious
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a self-service cleaning system that autonomously navigates to solar panels, activates cleaning operations based on environmental conditions, and performs maintenance without human intervention. The device includes its own power supply, navigation capabilities, and automated cleaning mechanisms, completely eliminating the need for manual cleaning crews and associated safety risks while maintaining effective cleaning performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces the mechanical human labor required for manual panel cleaning with automated mechanical and electronic systems. The device uses motors for movement, sensors for environmental detection, and automated cleaning mechanisms, substituting the complex human-operated mechanical system with a self-contained automated system that eliminates safety risks and labor costs while maintaining cleaning effectiveness.
Data Source
AI summary
Described herein is an autonomous cleaning device for a solar panel. The device includes a cleaning member mounted for unidirectional movement or bidirectional movement over the solar panel. The cleaning member has a first cleaning portion for cleaning the solar panel as the cleaning member moves in one direction and a second cleaning portion for cleaning the solar panel as the cleaning member moves in the other direction. The cleaning portions are respectively brought into contact with the solar panel by axial rotation of the cleaning member about a restricted path of travel.