Solar Panel Cleaning Assembly Using Rocker-Bar Wipe and Scrape
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current solar panel cleaning technologies are inefficient and environmentally unfriendly, often leaving residual debris and requiring external fluid sources, posing risks and high costs, especially in remote or high-mounted installations.
Innovation Solution
An autonomous solar panel and trough reflector cleaning device that senses rain intensity and uses a combination of cleaning inserts, such as pads, wipers, or brushes, mounted on a rocker bar system for unidirectional or bidirectional movement, eliminating the need for external fluid sources and allowing for easy maintenance and adaptation to different environments.
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 (sweeping brushes, squeegees, and scrapers) into a single integrated cleaning assembly. The sweeping brushes remove loose debris while the squeegee and scraper work together to wipe and scrape the panel surface, eliminating residual debris that a single brush system would leave behind.
Solution Approach 2:
The cleaning assembly is divided into distinct functional segments: sweeping brushes for loose debris removal, a squeegee for wiping, and a scraper for stubborn residues. Each segment performs a specific cleaning function, and they work in sequence to achieve complete panel cleaning without leaving residuals.
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 cleansing assist from adequate rainfall
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a rain sensor that provides feedback to the control system about rainfall conditions. The sensor detects not only the presence of rain but also its intensity, allowing the system to adapt its operation accordingly - activating the cleaning assembly when rain intensity is sufficient to provide cleansing assist, and coordinating cleaning operations with rainfall events.
3Ease of manufacture
If water reservoir and flocculent solution are used for cleaning, then cleaning can be performed, but the system is environmentally unfriendly and largely ineffective
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes naturally occurring rainfall as the cleaning medium, eliminating the need for water reservoirs and chemical flocculent solutions. The cleaning assembly mechanically removes debris using brushes, squeegees, and scrapers powered by rain energy and gravity, making the system environmentally friendly while maintaining effective cleaning capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system converts rainfall, which could be seen as an uncontrollable environmental factor, into a beneficial resource that powers and enhances the cleaning process. Adequate rain intensity provides cleansing assist that complements the mechanical cleaning action, reducing the need for external water and chemicals.
4Productivity
If cleaning crews manually clean high-mounted solar panels, then cleaning can be performed, but crews risk serious injury from falls and cleaning is labor intensive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a self-service cleaning system that operates autonomously on the solar panels without requiring human crews to physically access high-mounted surfaces. The cleaning assembly is activated automatically by rain sensors and performs cleaning operations using mechanical brushes, squeegees, and scrapers, eliminating fall risks and labor-intensive manual cleaning while maintaining effective panel cleaning performance.
Data Source
AI summary
Described herein is a cleaning device for a flat solar panel or a trough reflector panel. The device comprises a cleaning member with a sweeper portion and a scraper portion. The cleaning member is mounted for unidirectional and bidirectional movement over the flat panel or the reflector panel. A rocker bar is connected to the sweeper portion and the scraper portion to rockingly move either the sweeper portion or the scraper portion into contact with the flat panel or the reflector panel as the cleaning member moves over the flat panel or the reflector panel.