TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to a cleaning apparatus for use in cleaning of external substances which may occur on the panel surface of a solar panel.

PRIOR ART

Solar panels are elements which convert solar energy into electrical energy. Solar panels can generally be one-faced or double-faced types. Both faces of the double-faced solar panels consist of glasses. On the upper surfaces which are made of glass, there can be some local factors like sand, stains, which prevent operation of solar cells, depending on the condition of the medium. The events particularly like sand, bird droppings, etc. lead to a big efficiency loss on solar cells.

Moreover, because of the drought which is considered to be important in the world and particularly in our country, cleaning with water on solar panels shall lead to waste of water. In order to realize cleaning with water, there has to be clean water, and solutions which do not give damage to the panel must be added to this pure water. In addition to these, in case it is assumed that the water is finished during cleaning with water, the duration which passes until re-filling leads to further increasing of the dirt or dust on the panel and leads to additional efficiency loss.

The application no CN105107810A known in the literature describes a cleaning device for cleaning a solar photovoltaic module, which comprises a movable trolley, a mechanical arm, a cleaner and a controller. Here, the cleaner comprises a support, a rotation shaft, a first cleaning brush, a second cleaning brush, a spraying system and a drying system. The first cleaning brush is winded on the rotation shaft by a positive spiral structure, the second cleaning brush is winded on the rotation shaft by a reverse spiral structure, the spraying system comprises a spraying nozzle, and the drying system comprises a wind outlet. Sewage continuously accumulated on the lower edge of the solar photovoltaic module can be thrown away from multiple angles by the positive and reverse spiral structure, and cleaning dead corners and accumulated water are avoided. The application no CN105107772A known in the literature provides an intelligent photovoltaic array washing car used for washing photovoltaic arrays of a large-scale ground photovoltaic power station. A washing head supporting and locating unit and a power unit are arranged on the head portion and tail portion of a crawler base respectively, a water storage unit is arranged adjacent to the power unit, and a washing head unit is provided with range finder sensors used for measuring the distance between the washing head unit and solar cell panels. A water pump of a water supply unit is driven by a hydraulic motor; a computer is used as a control kernel of a main control module of an operation control unit.

Such studies known in the literature comprises a number of steps for cleaning surfaces of solar panels. However, such studies are not sufficient for reaching an optimum device for cleaning on solar panels. Energy losses cannot be prevented at the desired levels.

As a result, because of the abovementioned problems, an improvement is required in the related technical field.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a cleaning apparatus, for eliminating the abovementioned disadvantages and for bringing new advantages to the related technical field.

An object of the present invention is to provide a cleaning apparatus for use in cleaning solar panels.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a cleaning apparatus which can realize cleaning on solar panels with or without water.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a cleaning apparatus which can monitor dirtiness through air.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a cleaning apparatus where the problems related to placement of the cleaning unit on the solar panel is reduced.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a cleaning apparatus where spreading of dust to the environment is prevented while solar panels are being cleaned. Another object of the present invention is to provide a cleaning apparatus which can be controlled in a mapped manner.

In order to realize the abovementioned objects and the objects which are to be deducted from the detailed description below, the present invention is a cleaning apparatus for use in cleaning of external substances which may occur on the panel surface of a solar panel. Accordingly, the subject matter cleaning apparatus is associated with at least one air vehicle which can detect the dirt which exists on said panel surface; and the subject matter cleaning apparatus comprises at least one movement unit for providing movement in the vicinity of the solar panel depending on the dirtiness detection of said air vehicle; and at least one cleaning unit which can be placed to the panel surface and which can realize cleaning. Thus, an improved versatile cleaning apparatus structure is obtained for cleaning solar panels.

In a possible embodiment of the present invention, at least one arm is provided which can align said cleaning unit depending on the position of the solar panel. Thus, the cleaning apparatus can be guided on the solar panel.

In a possible embodiment of the present invention, the movement unit is a removable-fixable external drive element. Thus, the cost of the movement unit can be eliminated during production, and the cleaning apparatus can be moved by means of the own facilities of the system.

In another possible embodiment of the present invention, the cleaning unit comprises at least one brush for sweeping the panel surface. Thus, the panel surface can be cleaned without water.

In another possible embodiment of the present invention, the cleaning unit comprises at least one roll for sweeping the panel surface. Thus, the panel surface can be cleaned without water.

In another possible embodiment of the present invention, the cleaning unit comprises at least one stripper for eliminating water from the panel surface. Thus, the water, which exists on the panel surface, can be eliminated.

In another possible embodiment of the present invention, the cleaning unit comprises at least one sprayer for cleaning the panel surface with water. Thus, the cleaning unit can realize cleaning with water, and efficient cleaning from dirt is provided. In another possible embodiment of the present invention, the cleaning unit comprises at least one vacuum collector for suctioning dust. Thus, spreading of the dust to environment is prevented.

In another possible embodiment of the present invention, the cleaning unit comprises at least one camera associated for determining the operation mode. Thus, operation modes with or without water can be determined.

In another possible embodiment of the present invention, at least one control unit is provided on the cleaning apparatus for providing management of various components which exist thereon. Thus, the cleaning apparatus can be managed from a single location.

In another possible embodiment of the present invention, said control unit is connected to at least one GPS module. Thus, the cleaning apparatus can be monitored in a mapped manner.

In another possible embodiment of the present invention, said arm is connected to at least one distance sensor and at least one inclination sensor for enabling positioning of said arm. Thus, the cleaning unit can be placed to the solar panel at a correct position.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

In Figure 1, a representative perspective view of the subject matter cleaning apparatus is given.

In Figure 2, a representative frontal view of the subject matter cleaning apparatus is given.

In Figure 3, a representative bottom view of the cleaning unit provided in the subject matter cleaning apparatus is given.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

In this detailed description, the subject matter is explained with references to examples without forming any restrictive effect only in order to make the subject more understandable.

In Figure 1 and 2, one each representative views of the subject matter cleaning apparatus (1) are given. Accordingly, said cleaning apparatus (1) is particularly used in cleaning solar panels (60). The solar panel (60) is an energy conversion unit which converts the heat and light, coming from the sun, into usable electrical energy and which enables usage thereof as electrical energy in places as needed. In order to be able to realize this, there is a panel surface (61) on the side of the solar panel (60) which faces the sun. Said panel surface (61) is a structure where the solar panel (60) can suction sunlight for production of electricity and which provides protection from external factors. The panel surface (61) becomes dirty due to various reasons (bird droppings, dust, mud, rain, etc.) by time. The light passage on the panel surface (61) is a very important factor in terms of efficiency in conversion of solar energy into electrical energy. Therefore, solar panels (60) must be cleaned continuously at predetermined intervals. The cleaning apparatus (1) provides cleaning of the panel surface (61) of solar panels (60).

There is at least one cleaning unit (40), which can eliminate external items from the solar panel (60), on the cleaning apparatus (1). Various cleaning items are placed on said cleaning unit (40) and they are configured to contact panel surface (61) and realize cleaning by means of various methods.

The cleaning unit (40) is configured to displace between solar panel (60) rows by means of at least one movement unit (10). In order to be able to realize this, in a possible embodiment, the movement unit (10) can be a movement element which is automatically driven. In another embodiment of the present invention, the movement unit (10) can be provided externally from the cleaning apparatus (1). In more details, the movement unit (10) can be an element like an off-road vehicle, a construction machine or a tractor. By means of this, the movement unit (10) can clean solar panels (60) and besides it can realize other different duties.

The cleaning unit (40) is connected to said movement unit (10) by means of at least one arm (20) in between. Said cleaning unit (40) is configured to be aligned depending on the position of the solar panel (60). The arm (20) can guide the cleaning unit (40) by means of a drive element. Besides, the arm (20) can preferably have a telescopic structure and can be pluralities in number. By means of this, guidance of the arm (20) can be provided by elongating and shortening of the arm (20). Since pluralities of arms (20) are provided, while arms (20) move between the solar panels (60), they enable cleaning for more than one row. As the arm (20) is made in telescopic structure, the movement unit (10) can be reached without consuming extra effort for the solar panels (60) which are at different distances. Additionally, the arm (20) is connected to at least one distance sensor (21). Said distance sensor (21) is configured to detect the closeness to the solar panel (60). By means of this, the arm (20) is prevented from hitting the solar panel (60), and the solar panel (60) is prevented from being damaged. In case the arm (20) gets closer to the solar panel (60) at an undesired distance, the movement of the arm (20) is stopped and damage formation is prevented. Additionally, the arm (20) is connected to at least one inclination sensor (22). Said inclination sensor (22) is configured to detect the inclination between the movement unit (10) and the floor where the solar panel (60) is placed. By means of this, at inclination differences which occur due to field ground, the arm (20) can be prevented from moving towards the air or towards the solar panel (60).

The cleaning apparatus (1) is connected to at least one air vehicle (30). Said air vehicle (30) is configured to detect the dirtiness conditions of solar panels (60). In a possible embodiment of the present invention, this air vehicle can be a drone, an unmanned air vehicle, etc. Such an air vehicle (30) rises before cleaning and visually detects the dirtiness amount on the solar panels (60) and enables guidance of the cleaning apparatus (1) accordingly. By means of this, cleaning in places where no cleaning is needed is prevented, and energy and time saving is provided.

The cleaning apparatus (1) is connected to at least one camera (42). Said camera (42) is configured to realize image analysis on the panel surface (61). The camera (42) enables determination of the cleaning mode (system of operation without water or with water) according to the type or proportion of dirtiness (dust, snow, adhesive dirt, etc.) on the panel surface (61). By examining the camera (42) data, if mode of operation with water is needed, a different operation structure in the cleaning unit (40) is operated, and if cleaning without water is sufficient, the elements which exist in the cleaning unit (40) are operated accordingly.

In Figure 3, a representative bottom view of the cleaning unit (40), provided in the subject matter cleaning apparatus (1), is given. Accordingly, the cleaning unit (40) enables cleaning of the panel surface (61 ) under different operation conditions like with water or without water. There is at least one brush (41) on the cleaning unit (40) for realizing cleaning. Pluralities of brushes (41) can be provided depending on the need on the side of the cleaning unit (40) which faces the solar panel (60). The brush (41) sweeps substances like dirt, dust, etc. on the solar panel (60) during cleaning without water. In a possible embodiment of the present invention, the dust which occurs during this sweeping process is pushed towards at least one vacuum collector (43). Said vacuum collector (43) suctions the dust and prevents spreading of dust to the outer medium. By means of this, the dust, swept from the panel surface (61), is prevented from spreading onto the other solar panels (60). During pushing of dust to the vacuum collector (43) by means of brushes (41), the brushes (41), which exist in the middle of the cleaning unit (40), move in an opposite manner to each other, and the brushes (41) except these realize opposite movements with respect to themselves. The dust, taken by means of the vacuum collector (43), is accumulated in at least one dust chamber (15).

There is at least one roll (44) on the cleaning unit (1). Said roll (44) is essentially positioned in the vicinity of the brushes (41). The roll (44) is configured to enable collection of dusts which remain on the panel surface (61) swept by the brush (41). The roll (44) essentially has cylindrical shape and is made of material which enables sweeping of foreign substances at the outer part. By means of this, the dusts which cannot be removed by the brushes (41) are collected. Thus, cleaning process is realized with very high efficiency in a single passage during cleaning of the solar panels (60). Since the roll (44) is adjustable with respect to the dimensions of any type of solar panel (60), the roll (44) can be compliant to any kind of field conditions.

In case cleaning with water is applied in the cleaning process of the cleaning unit (1), after the roll (44) passes over the solar panels (60), the solar panels (60) must not stay wet. Because the points, which remain wet, can capture dust or can leave trace in a manner returning to the non-cleaned condition again on the solar panel (60). Additionally, in the cleanings realized with water in winter, the water gets frozen as a result of the cold air on the solar panel (60) and this leads to deformation of the glass or hotspot. Therefore, at least one stripper (45) is positioned at the rear part of the roll (44) on the cleaning unit (40) for removing water from the solar panel (60). Said stripper (45) is rubbed onto the panel surface (61) and removes water from the panel surface (61). By means of this, the liquids on the panel surface (61) are poured towards the floor and there remains no liquid on the solar panel (60). Moreover, the point of the stripper (45) connected to the cleaning unit (40) is made such that said point has movable head. By means of this, the imbalance, which occurs at elevation or inclination differences which occurs due to the floor during movement of the cleaning apparatus (1), is absorbed.

There is at least one sprayer (46) on the cleaning unit (1). Said sprayer (46) realizes water spraying function for enabling realization of cleaning with water by the cleaning unit (40). The sprayer (46) is configured to spray the water, which exists in at least one water tank (11), towards the panel surface (61). Inside the water tank (11), chemicals, which improve the cleaning characteristics, can be used besides water. Moreover, the pressure of the liquid given by the sprayer (46) can be adjusted depending on the dirtiness information taken from the camera (42). This liquid pressure adjustment is provided by means of at least one air tank (12) in the cleaning unit (40). By means of this, the cleaning feature is improved. There is at least one hydraulic tank (13) in the cleaning apparatus (1). Said hydraulic tank (13) provides carrying and feeding of the fluid which shall be used in any kind of hydraulic system on the cleaning apparatus (1). Additionally, at least one illumination element (14) is positioned at the cleaning apparatus (1). Said illumination element (14) is a light source configured to illuminate the outer part of the cleaning apparatus (1) at least partially. Thanks to this illumination element (14), the cleaning apparatus (1) also realizes cleaning in the dark.

The subject matter cleaning apparatus (1) is associated with at least one control unit (50). Said control unit (50) is configured to enable operation of various components, which exist on the cleaning apparatus (1), in a synchronized manner. In details, the functions like image processing of the camera (42), visual detection of the air vehicle (30), monitoring of the pressuring function in the sprayer (46), etc. are managed by the control unit (50). Moreover, the control unit (50) is connected to at least one GPS module (51). Thanks to said GPS module (51), the positions of the cleaning apparatus (1) can also be monitored particularly in big fields. Additionally, the route of the cleaning apparatus (1) is recorded and it is understood that which solar panel (60) has been visited, and the vehicle can be guided accordingly. Additionally, the control unit (50) can enable movement of the cleaning apparatus (1) between solar panels (60) in automatic mode. By means of this, the need for the personnel for the cleaning process is also reduced.

Together with all these embodiments, solution is provided for the cleaning need of solar panels (60) which are used more every passing day. The cleaning unit (40) of the cleaning apparatus (1 ) realizes cleaning with water or without water, and it enables a cleaning process with saving particularly in rural areas. Additionally, production and usage easiness is provided since the movement unit (10) can be fixed to and removed from a vehicle known in the art. Additionally, since the cleaning apparatus (1) is connected to an air vehicle (30) and cleaning is made according to the dirtiness data received from the air vehicle (30), the solar panels (60), where cleaning is not needed, are not cleaned.

The protection scope of the present invention is set forth in the annexed claims and cannot be restricted to the illustrative disclosures given above, under the detailed description. It is because a person skilled in the relevant art can obviously produce similar embodiments under the light of the foregoing disclosures, without departing from the main principles of the present invention. REFERENCE NUMBERS

I Cleaning apparatus

10 Movement unit

I I Water tank

12 Air tank

13 Hydraulic tank

14 Illumination element

15 Dust chamber

20 Arm

21 Distance sensor

22 Inclination sensor

30 Air vehicle

40 Cleaning unit

41 Brush

42 Camera

43 Vacuum collector

44 Roll

45 Stripper

46 Sprayer

50 Control unit

51 GPS module

60 Solar panel

61 Panel surface