Solar Panel Wiper Device with Air-Compression Dust Removal
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Solution Overview
Problem
Dust accumulation on photovoltaic (PV) panels reduces irradiation and requires frequent cleaning, which is costly and inefficient, especially in sunny areas with limited water resources, necessitating a cost-effective and energy-efficient cleaning solution.
Innovation Solution
A lightweight, dry surface cleaning device with rotating wipers and a pivot mechanism that moves in a crisscross diagonal pattern, using a battery powered by solar panels, allowing for efficient dust removal without water and minimizing material and energy consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If manual cleaning is used, then cleaning can be performed, but labor costs are very high and efficiency is low
Solution Approach 1:
The cleaning device is autonomous and self-powered, using solar panels to charge a battery that powers the cleaning mechanism. The device automatically navigates to solar panels, positions itself, and performs cleaning operations without human intervention, thereby eliminating labor costs and increasing cleaning efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical cleaning with an automated robotic system that uses electric motors for movement and wiper rotation. The robotic arm with gripper mechanism automatically positions and operates the wiper, substituting human labor with automated mechanical systems.
2Productivity
If robotic cleaning devices are used, then cleaning efficiency improves, but device cost increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The cleaning device is divided into modular components: a mobile base with wheels, a robotic arm with gripper, a wiper assembly, and a power system with solar panels and battery. This segmentation allows for simplified manufacturing, easier maintenance, and reduced overall system complexity while maintaining autonomous cleaning capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The robotic arm serves multiple functions: it positions the wiper on the solar panel surface, applies pressure for effective cleaning, and can be repositioned for different panel orientations. The single robotic arm structure performs what would otherwise require multiple specialized mechanisms, reducing device complexity and cost.
3Productivity
If water-based cleaning is used, then dust removal effectiveness improves, but water consumption increases in water-scarce areas
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the water element from the cleaning system entirely, using only a dry wiper mechanism powered by a motor. The wiper physically removes dust particles through friction and mechanical action without requiring any liquid, thereby eliminating water consumption while maintaining dust removal effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The wiper element is designed as a simple, replaceable component that can be easily manufactured and replaced. Instead of using expensive water resources, the system uses an inexpensive wiper that can be discarded or replaced when worn, providing a cost-effective alternative to water-based cleaning in arid environments.
4Reliability
If frequent cleaning is performed, then dust accumulation is reduced, but energy consumption and operational costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The autonomous cleaning device operates periodically based on scheduled intervals or triggered by sensors detecting dust accumulation levels. This periodic operation allows the system to maintain panel performance by cleaning only when necessary, optimizing the balance between reliability and energy consumption rather than continuous operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates sensors that monitor the solar panel surface for dust accumulation and provide feedback to the control system. When dust levels exceed a threshold, the system automatically initiates a cleaning cycle, ensuring optimal panel performance while minimizing unnecessary cleaning operations and associated energy consumption.
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
The device achieves 99% dust removal efficiency with reduced weight and energy use, enabling fast and effective cleaning, even in dry environments, and can be easily transported between panels using drones or robotic arms.
Implementation Method 1
A lightweight, dry surface cleaning device with rotating wipers and a pivot mechanism that moves in a crisscross diagonal pattern, using a battery powered by solar panels
Data Source
AI summary
A surface cleaning device for cleaning a surface of a solar panel, wherein the surface cleaning device may include a motion delay assembly, a first dust carrying member and a second dust carrying member that are coupled to a motor; wherein the first dust carrier member and the second dust carrier member are wipers. The motor is configured to cyclically move the first dust carrying member and the second dust carrying member along a path. The motion delay assembly is configured to cyclically introduce a momentarily delay in a progress of the first dust carrying member along the path, while the second dust carrying member contacts the surface thereby reducing a gap between the first dust carrying member and the second dust carrying member, compress the air within the gap, and induce air that is compressed in the gap to exit the gap and progress along the surface and remove dust that precedes the second dust carrying member.