SHAPED SOLAR ARRAYS CONFIGURATIONAL STRUCTURES.

[0001]

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0002] The present invention relates to a device for the cleaning of surfaces of solar panels in angular shaped solar arrays configurational structures. More specifically, the present invention relates to a device for cleaning by brushing and/or washing of solar panel surfaces in ether a “V” or inverted “V” solar arrays configurational structures.

[0003]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0004] Both the terms “solar panels” and “photovoltaic panels” are used in the text in reference to the sun-exposed surfaces for solar “energy harvesting” in solar module devices. Commonly, the solar panels are constructed of flat plates, positioned in a slanted, sun-facing configuration. For efficiency of land use and maintenance in solar harvesting facilities (commonly referred to as “solar plants”), solar module are typically arranged in parallel, close to each other, columns, in which in each column the solar panels are adjacent, close to each other and/or connected. A column of solar module- devices is referred to in the text as a “solar array”. In solar plants, the solar arrays are typically constructed of ground positioned/anchored structures that fixate and stabilize the solar modules.

[0005] Another common use of solar modules solar energy harvesting is the placing of solar panels on the roofs of residential-houses and utility structures such as, but not limited to, greenhouses, cowsheds and storage structures. Typically, the solar modules on roof tops of residential-houses and utility structures are also positioned in solar array configurations.

[0006] In solar energy harvesting facilities, based on economic and technological considerations (such as, but not limited to, optimizing land use and/or “capturing” defused and/or indirect solar sun-rays energy) some or all die solar panels in the solar arrays may be positioned in opposite slanted and angle-shaped configurational structures. The terms “opposite configuration” or interchangeably, “opposite angle- shaped configuration” refers to configurational structures having the slanted surface in a “V” or an inverted “V” shape configuration. In the case of the “V” configuration, the term “opposite configuration” refers to a configuration in which two slanted surfaces of solar panels face each other in the “inner” part of the “V” structure. In the case of the inverted “V” configuration, the term “opposite configuration” refers to a configuration in which two slanted surfaces of the solar panels are on the “outer” part of the “V” structure. See figures 6 which illustrates a “V” configurational structure and figure 1 which illustrates an inverted “V” configurational structure. The solar harvesting facilities may deploy both “V” and/or inverted “V” shape configurational solar panels arranged in solar arrays in addition to the commonly utilized, directly sun facing, solar arrays, constructed of fixated, single surface solar panel structures.

[0007] In order to maximize the sun energy harvesting efficiency of solar panels the surfaces of the panels facing the sum have to be periodically cleaned of incoming sun- rays obstructing components, typically but not limited to, dust and/or leaves and snow or frost. The amount or degree of the obstruction-elements that periodically sediment on the surfaces of solar modules depends on the geographical location, and surrounding environment in which the solar modules are deployed.

[0008] The periodic manual cleaning of the panels is in many facilities is both too time consuming and expensive to the extent of jeopardizing the economic justification of the facility. To overcome the necessity of manual cleaning, several mechanized solar panel surface cleaning devices have been introduced.

[0009] Examples of devices and/or methods for cleaning surface of solar panels are disclosed in the patents and patent applications: CN207914194 (Libin et. al.), CN206559302 (Qiangfa), WO2015152431 (Takahiro et al.), FR3010644 (Laurent), .CN107147360 (Jinggong et al.), US8046101 (Masujiro).

[0010] Different from previously disclosed devices, the present invention is a device for simultaneously cleaning of the two opposite side, slanted surfaces of solar modules constructed in arrays having a V or inverted V shaped configuration structures utilizing either dry brushing of the surfaces or wet-brush-scrubbing of the panel surfaces. [0011]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0012] The present invention is a device for simultaneously cleaning by dry-brushing or/and wet-brush-scrubbing the two slanted surfaces of solar panels in solar arrays in which the two surfaces are positioned in opposite direction in an angle-shaped configurational structure. The angled solar panel surfaces of solar arrays refer to solar arrays constructed in a V or, alternatively, in an inverted V solar arrays configurational structures. The “V” and inverted “V” shape configuration of the solar arrays also include configurations in which the surfaces of the solar panels have a “U” and an inverted “U” shape configurations. The edges of the solar panel surfacess in the V and inverted V configuration solar arrays structures are connected, or, alternatively closely positioned. The distance between the edges of closely positioned panels varies, but not limited to, between 0.1 and 2 meters. The angle between the solar panels in the V or the inverted V configuration solar arrays varies, but not limited to be, between 110 and 160 degrees, depending on economical and engineering considerations.

[0013] The panel cleaning device is constructed of: a control component, a turning-rod component, at least two arms, in which each arm has in it cleaning components, an electrical power source, a guide-rail that runs along the solar arrays configurational structures, a guide-rail connects to the solar arrays configurational structure along a path between the two slanted solar panel surfaces of the solar arrays structure.

[0014] The control component of the device is composed of: a box structure that has in it an electrical motor and electronic control components that control the activity of the motor and/or said cleaning components in the arms,

[0015] The electrical motor and electronic control components of the control component obtain electrical power from the power source for their activation, The turning-rod is connected to the bottom portion of the control component and is turned by the motor located in the control component, The turning-rod connects and rolls on the guide-trail, thus facilitating the movement of the cleaning device back and forth along the angular solar arrays configurational structure. The two arms are connected at opposite sides of the control component. The cleaning components in the arms, are activated by the motor located in the control component, The cleaning device moves moved back and forth along the guide-rail while cleaning the two slanted surfaces of the solar arrays construction.

[0016] The aims of said device in which are connected at opposite sides of the control component in an inverted “V” structural configuration and clean the solar panels of the angled structural solar arrays having an inverted “V” configuration. Alternatively, the arms are connected in a “V” structural configuration and clean the solar panels of the angled structural solar arrays having a “V” configuration. In deploying the cleaning device, the two arms move along with the control component and slide over the slanted surfaces of the surfaces of the solar panels of the inverted V and V arrays structures. The angle between the arms is adjusted to be the same angle found the between the solar panels surfaces in the inverted V and V structures, thus, being between, and not limited to, 110 and 160 degrees.

[0017] The cleaning components in the arms are elongated brushing rods turned by the motor in the control component. In another alternative, the cleaning components are disk shaped brushes turned by the motor in the control component. For brushing and scrubbing the brushes come into contact with the surfaces of the solar panels.

[0018] In yet another alternative, the cleaning components are spray-nozzles that spray water on the surfaces of the solar panels when activated by the motor and/or electronic the control components. The spray-nozzles of the arms obtain pressurized water a water pipe connected to a water source. For the water praying the nozzles do not come into contact with the surface of the solar panels.

[0019] The turning-rod connected to the bottom portion of the control component has a horizontal spatial hourglass configuration. Alternatively, the turning-rod has a round bar configuration.

[0020] The guide-rail of the cleaning device is made of a hard material, typically, of a metallic material and has a flat strip configuration. Alternatively, The guide-rail has an elongated flat bar configuration.

[0021] The cleaning device moves back and forth along the guide-rail that runs along a path that extends between the connected or close to each other edges of the two slanted solar panel surfaces in the solar arrays. The path is referred in the text as the “path- portion”. Two arms, slide over the surfaces of the solar panels of the inverted V and V arrays structures with the movement of the control component and have in them “cleaning components”. The cleaning components are typically elongated brush or brushes positioned in each arm and are connected to the control component. Optionally, the brushes are flat, swirling disk brush or brushes. Each arm has one edge connected to the control component and the free edge connected to a stabilizing-wheel, positioned on the outer edge of the solar array. The stabilizing wheels facilitate the smooth movement/sliding of the arms over the surface of the solar panels. The elongated brushes and/or flat-disk brushes are in contact with the surface of the solar panels and are simultaneously spun/tumed by a motor in the control component. Optionally, the two arms have along the length of each arm water spraying nozzles that spray water from a water supplying source. Optionally, the two arms have both brushes and water spraying nozzles.

[0022] By moving back and forth of the control component on the guide-rail the connected brushes and/or the water-spraying nozzles simultaneously dry brush-clean or/and water wash-scrub-clean the two opposite solar panel surfaces of the solar modules that constructed the solar array.

[0023] The two arms, each on the opposite side of the control component, balance each other thus, preventing the control component to tilt or be pulled in the direction of one of the two arms. The movement of the control component along the horizontal path of the guide-rail while cleaning the slanted surfaces of the solar modules eliminates the necessity of energy expenditure of traveling up-and-down the slanted surfaces, thus, cleaning the surfaces of the solar modules in an energy -efficient manner.

[0024] Alternatively to the structure of the device described above, the device has more than two arms, the number of arms being an even number so as to have the weight of the arms balance the control component as it moves along the horizontal path of the guide-rail. The structure of all the arms of the device are as previously described.

[0025]

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0026] In order to better understand the present invention, and appreciate its practical applications, the following Figures are provided and referenced hereafter. It should be noted that the Figures are given as examples only and in no way limit the scope of the invention. Like components are denoted by like reference numerals.

[0027] Fig. 1 is an isometric viewed from above and side illustration of the solar panel cleaning device of the invention in the process of dry brush-cleaning done by rotating elongated rod-shaped brushes, on the two slanted surfaces (both sides) of a solar arrays structure constructed in an inverted V shaped configuration.

[0028] Fig. 2 is an illustration of a view from the front of the device shown in Fig. 1.

[0029] Fig. 3 is an isometric view from above and side detailed illustration of one of two arms of the device, with rotating-brushes of the device shown in Fig. 1.

[0030] Fig. 4 is an isometric viewed from above and side illustration of a device for simultaneously cleaning by water spraying nozzles, of both surfaces of solar panel surfaces constructed in an inverted V shaped configuration..

[0031] Fig. 5 is an illustration of a view from the front of the device shown in Fig. 4.

[0032] Fig. 6 is an isometric viewed from above and side illustration of the solar panel cleaning device of the invention in the process of dry brush-cleaning done by rotating elongated rod-shaped brushes, on the two slanted surfaces (both sides) of a solar arrays structure constructed in a V shaped configuration.

[0033] Fig. 7 is an illustration of a view from the front of the device shown in Fig. 6.

[0034] Fig. 8 is a an isometric viewed from above and side illustration of the panel device of the invention as shown in Fig. 6 with the cleaning of the solar panels done by water spraying by sprinklers.

[0035] Fig. 9 is an illustration of a view from the front of the device shown in Fig. 8.

[0036]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0037] It should be clear that the description of the embodiments and attached Figures set forth in this specification serves only for a better understanding of the invention, without limiting its scope.

[0038] Two embodiments of the device of the invention for simultaneously cleaning of solar panel surfaces in a solar array, the surfaces positioned in opposite directions and have, angle-shaped configurations, are presently presented: 1) The device for cleaning solar panels in solar arrays positioned in an inverted V configurational structure, shown in Fig.l to Fig. 5.

2) The device for cleaning solar panels in solar arrays positioned in a V configurational structure, shown in Fig.6 to Fig. 9.

[0039] The edges of the two solar panel surfaces of the solar arrays described above are connected or, alternatively, are not physically connected but are positioned close to each other, in a distance of, but not limited to, 0.1 to 2 meters. The angle between the solar panels surfaces in the V and the inverted V configuration solar arrays varies, but. not limited to between, but not limited to, 110 and 160 degrees.

[0040] In each of the two embodiments the cleaning is done by brushing. The brushing is done by rotating elongated rod-shaped brush(es). Optionally the brushing is done by swirling disk brushes (not shown in the figures). In yet another option, the cleaning is done by water-washing with the water applied to the solar panels by nozzles (not in contact with the surfaces of the solar panels). In yet another option, the brushing is combined with water application, resulting in the wet scrubbing of the surfaces of the solar panels.

[0041] In both embodiments, the brushes and/or nozzles are positioned in two opposite directed cleaning-arms and are referred to in the text as “cleaning components”. Each arm perpendicularly connects to and stretches from a control component and reaches the edge of the surface of the solar panels of one of the two opposite positioned solar panels of the solar array.

[0042] The connection of the arms to the control component is in an inverted “V” configuration when the device of the invention is intended for the cleaning of slanted solar panel surfaces of inverted “V” configuration array structures and is in a “V” configuration when the device of the invention is intended for the cleaning of slanted solar panel surfaces of “V” configuration array structures.

[0043] For the cleaning the surfaces of the solar panels, the arms are moved over the surfaces of the solar panels by the motion of the control component which travels horizontally back and forth along a guide-rail that runs along the path-portion between the two slanted, opposite positioned solar panels in the solar arrays configurational structures. In figures 1 to 5 the guide-rail is shown running along the path-portion on the apex on both sides of solar panels in an inverted V structure arrays. Alternatively, the path-portion to which the guiding-rail is connected in an inverted V structure arrays has a flat and horizontal configuration. In V structure arrays, the path-portion has a V configuration to which the guide-rail is connected (to the panels of both sides of the V). Alternatively, the path-portion to which the guide-rail is connected in V structure arrays is a horizontal and flat strip that is positioned between the two bottom, edges of the angled solar panels. Alternatively, the path-portion to which the guide-rail is connected in V structure arrays is a horizontal and flat strip that is positioned typically but not limited to, 25 to 50 cm perpendicularly from the connection between and along the two slanted panels in the solar array. The guide-rail is made of a hard material, typically, but not limited to, a metal and has an elongate flat-bar or flat strip configurational structure. The control component is typically made of a box made of a strong yet relatively light material, such as, but not limited to, plastic or metal. The control component comprises a protective cover box. Inside the box (not shown in the figures) are: an electrical motor and electronic control components that control the activity of the motor. The activity of the motor via the electronic control components can by automatically programed or/and done manually. An electricity power source provides the electrical power to the motor and the other electrical components of the control component and thus enables the motion of the cleaning device as well as the cleaning activates of the cleaning-arms of the cleaning device. The electricity power source that provides the electrical power is provided by an electrical cable that connects to an external electricity generating facility. Alternatively to an external electrical power provided by a cable, the electrical power source is provided by a battery located inside the control component.

[0044] The solar arrays in solar plants and on the roof s of utility structures are typically placed on a stabilizing frames. The stabilizing frames in the context of the invention is designated (11) in the descriptive figures.

[0045] Presently, the embodiment of the device for cleaning solar panels in arrays positioned in an inverted V configurations, shown in Fig.l to Fig. 5 is described.

[0046] Fig. 1 is an isometric viewed from above and side illustration of the panel device of the invention (10) in the process of dry brush-cleaning done by rotating elongated rod-shaped brushes (20) positioned in the cleaning arms (18). Fig. 2 is an illustration of a view from the front of the device shown in Fig. 1. Fig. 2 is an illustration of a view from the front of the device shown in Fig. 1. Fig. 1 also illustrates the horizontal motion path of the control component (14) back and forth along guide-rail (16) that runs along the connection path-portion between the two slanted solar panels (25) of the inverted V solar arrays structure.

[0047] In Fig. 1 and Fig. 2 the two arms (18) of the device (10), each with elongated rotating-brushes (20), are shown connected to the control component (14) and are spun/tumed by an electrical motor in the control component (14). The electricity is supplied to the motor in the controlled component by an electrical cord, designated (15) in Fig. 1. A control mechanism via an electrical motor(s) (not shown, typically located internally to the control component (14)) controls the motion of control component (14) back and forth along guide-rail (16) and the spinning/rolling (direction and speed) of the rotating-brushes (20) in arms (18). The movement of control component (14) back and forth along guide-rail (16) is enabled by a turning-rod component (22) that is connected to the bottom path-portion of control component (14), typically, by a gear mechanism that connects to the motor in component (14). The turning-rod component (22) rolls on the horizontal guide-rail (16) which has an angled shape that bridges in a peak structure between the two surfaces of the solar panels of the arrays. The spatial configuration of component (22) for the inverted V panels configurational structures is typically, but not limited to, an horizontal hourglass structure with the two portions of its hourglass structure positioned on the two opposite sides of guide-rail (16), thus stabilizing the control component (14) from tipping in either side of the inverted V. Alternatively the guide-rail (16) has a flat, horizontal structure that runs between the top edges of the surfaces of the solar panels. Alternatively, turning-rod component (22) has a round rod configuration (instead of a horizontal hourglass structure) which runs along a flat, horizontal structure that runs between the top edges of the surfaces of the solar panels.

[0048] Figure 1 and figure 2 illustrate the two arms (18) connected to control component (14). Fig. 3 is an isometric view from above and side detailed illustration of one of the two arms identically internally structured arms, with the arm shown with rotating-brushes of the cleaning device (10), shown in Fig. 1. [0049] Figure 3 illustrates a single cleaning arm (18) of the cleaning device. The arms are referred to in the text as “the cleaning components. The structure of the two arms of the device are identical. The arm has a protective casing (19) made of, but not limited to, a meal or hard plastic construction. Inside the protective casing (19) are elongated rotating-brushes (20) typically made of an elongated rod made of, but not limited to, metal or hard plastic covered with a heavy-duty surface brushing material, typically, but not limited to, short-hair hairy brushes or a soft abrasive material. Fig. 3 illustrates, by a see-through segment in the protective casing (19) of arm (18), the elongated rotating brush (20) connected to control component. (14). The rotating brush (20) turns in the desired direction and speed by the turning-motion of the connection structure (21) which is turned by the motor in control component (14). At the free-edge of each arm (18) is a stabilizing- wheel (24) which rolls on the bottom edge of the solar panel surfaces (25) and facilitates the smooth movement of the arm (18) across the entire surface area of the solar panels with the movement of control component (14).

[0050] The embodiment of the device, as described with the use of figure 1 to 3, explains the dry brushing of the surface of the solar panels. The option of cleaning by water-cleaning, shown in figure 4 and figure 5, is presently explained. For water- cleaning, rotating brushes (20) are replaced by water spraying nozzles (26) under the cover of the protective casing-arm (19).

[0051] Fig. 4 is an isometric viewed from above and side illustration of the device of the invention (10) simultaneously cleaning by water spraying nozzles (26), of both surfaces of solar panel surfaces (25) constructed in an inverted V shaped configuration. To enable the water spraying, pressurized water is pumped via tube (28) into distributing tubes (30) that stream the water to nozzles (26) that spray the water on the surface of the solar panel surfaces (25). The streaming and turning-off of the water through the nozzles is controlled by the motor and/or the electronic control components placed in the control component (14). Optionally, a water pump (not shown in the figures) feeds the water to the components of the control device (14) of the device (10).

[0052] Fig. 5 is an illustration of a view from the front of the device (10) and complements Fig. 4 in explaining how the cleaning of surfaces of both surfaces of solar panels in solar arrays, positioned in an inverted V shaped configuration (25) is done by water being sprayed by nozzles.

[0053] In cleaning the solar panels with the rotating brushes (20), the brushes come into contact with the surfaces of the panels (25), when cleaning the panels with spraying water nozzles (26), the spraying is done in close proximity, above the panels’ surfaces, typically but not limited to, 0.5 to 1 cm.

[0054] Optionally, the cleaning arms (18) have both the rotating cleaning brushes (20) and spraying nozzles (26). In deploying, water is spayed while the brushes operate, and the surface of the panels is scrubbed methodically.

[0055] Presently, the embodiment of the device for cleaning solar panel surfaces in an array positioned in V structural configurations, shown in Fig.6 to fig. 9, is described.

[0056] Fig. 6 shows an isometric viewed from above and side illustration of the panel cleaning device of the invention (10) in the process of dry brush-cleaning done by rotating elongated rod-shaped brushes, of the two slanted surfaces (both sides) of a solar arrays constructed in a V shaped configurational structure.

[0057] Fig. 7 is an illustration of a view from the front of the device (10) shown in Fig. 6.

[0058] A previously given description of the structure of the panels cleaning device of the invention (10) and the operating modes of the device are valid for deploying the device (10) for cleaning the solar panels in inverted V configuration solar arrays as well as for cleaning solar panels in inverted V configuration solar arrays. The difference in the deployment of the device between the inverted V and V arrays structure is the angle in which the arms (18) are connected to the control component (14) and the shape of the turning-rod (22) The angle between the surfaces in the two connected or closely positioned solar arrays in the inverted V and in the V configuration is, but not limited to between, but not limited to, 110 to 160 degrees.

[0059] The turning-rod component (22) that was previously mentioned, can have various configurations. Two of the variations are presently described: In the inverted V configurations a preferred configuration of the turning-rod is an hour-horizontal glass- shape rod the “hugs” the inverted shaped V of the guide-rail (16), shown in Fig. 2. In the V configurations, the preferred configuration of the turning-rod (22) is a flat shaped rod configuration, designated (22a), shown in Fig. 6 that moves on the flat strip, horizontal guide-rail (16a), shown in figures 5 to 7.

[0060] It should also be clear that a person skilled in the art, after reading the present specification could make adjustments or amendments to the attached Figures and above described embodiments that would still be covered by the present invention.