US8771432

United States Patent Overview

• Patent Number: US008771.432B2

• Date of Patent: July 8, 2014

• Applicants: Moshe Meller, Eran Meller (Tel Aviv, IL)

• Assignee: Ecoppia Scientific, Ltd. (Tel Aviv, IL)

• Filed: June 13, 2013 (Application No. 13/917,285)

• Related Applications: Continuation-in-part of prior application No. 13/751,903; multiple provisional applications.

Technical Classification

• International Classification: B08B 1/00, F24J 2/46, B08B 1/04

• U.S. Classification: CPC B08B 1/008, F24J 2/461

Abstract Summary

• Invention Purpose: To provide an efficient, automatic, and potentially waterless system and method for cleaning solar panels.

• Functionality:

  • Cleaning apparatus operates during the downward movement along an inclined solar row.

  • Generates air streams for debris removal without extensive water use.

System Components

Cleaning Assembly

• Comprises a support frame that supports the cleaning apparatus.

• Equipped for upward and downward motion across the width and length of solar rows.

Mechanism of Operation

• Downward Movement:

  • Cleaning system active; removes dirt and enhances energy efficiency by maintaining clean surfaces.

  • Generates airflow to displace debris effectively.

• Upward Movement:

  • Cleaning apparatus inactive to avoid unnecessary contamination or damage.

Guide System

• Helps align the cleaning assembly for successive solar panel rows, ensuring efficient coverage.

Background of the Invention

• Problem Addressed:

  • Dust and debris on solar panels cause energy loss of up to 40%.

  • Traditional cleaning methods are labor-intensive and water-consuming, complicating operations in arid environments.

• Inventive Objectives:

  • Simplify cleaning processes, automate operation, and enable water-free cleaning conditions.

  • Minimize maintenance requirements and reduce construction costs.

  • Ensure reliability in various weather and geographical conditions.

Detailed Description

Solar Row Structure

• Characteristics:

  • Solar rows are angled for optimal sunlight absorption with an upper and a lower edge.

  • Typical solar panels are made of transparent glass and may have coatings for easier cleaning.

Frame and Mobility

• Support Frame:

  • Movable along the solar panel row's length using a combination of wheels and a drive motor.

  • Secondary frame connected for vertical movement to accommodate the inclination of the solar panels.

• Wheel Configuration:

  • Includes both supporting and driving wheels designed for stability and motion ease.

Cleaning Mechanism

• Rotating Cleaning Units:

  • Each unit rotates to clean the panel surface while moving downward.

  • Equipped with flexible fins for effective dust removal and airflow generation.

  • Fins can be replaced or cleaned easily due to a quick-connect system, facilitating maintenance.

System Control

• Automation:

  • Control unit manages movements based on sensors and predefined conditions (e.g. solar intensity).

  • Commands initiate cleaning cycles based on system location and environmental triggers.

• Power Supply:

  • System can be powered by renewable resources, supplemented by batteries or external sources.

Alternate Embodiments

• Conveyor Belt Mechanism:

  • An embodiment involves conveyor belts with fins for direct panel contact in cleaning cycles.

  • Ensures continuous operation without the need for manual adjustments between rows.

Claims

• Claims detail the invention’s features, functions, and scope, emphasizing water-free, efficient cleaning for solar panels while addressing system maintenance and operation complexities.