US 12,465,960 B2 · Photovoltaic panel cleaning method

Abstract

In accordance with the present invention, a panel cleaning method is provided. In one aspect, the panel cleaning system includes a storage tank containing pressurized air, first and second linear actuators, and a panel-cleaning device wherein the pressurized air contained in the storage tank operates the first and second actuators and the panel-cleaning device to clean PV panels. A further aspect includes sensors associated with the first and second actuators and panel-cleaning device and configured to scan and detect fluid and debris on the PV panels to be removed. Another aspect provides sensors associated with a panel cleaning system and a programmable controller or processor configured to execute instructions stored in a nontransitory computer-readable medium.

Claims26

Dependent claims

A method for cleaning a photovoltaic panel, the method comprising:

(a) energizing at least one actuator located adjacent a side of the photovoltaic panel;
(b) moving an elongated carriage along the photovoltaic panel in response to energization of the actuator;
(c) contacting a wiper, attached to the carriage, against the photovoltaic panel;
(d) detecting debris on the photovoltaic panel with a sensor that moves with the carriage;
(e) sending a signal from the sensor to a programmable controller which automatically energizes the actuator when the debris is detected;
(f) the controller automatically causing pressurized air to be supplied from a nozzle or opening to the photovoltaic panel, the nozzle or opening moving with the carriage;
(g) heating the pressurized air;
and
(h) cleaning the debris from the photovoltaic panel without a liquid cleaner.

6 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Photovoltaic panel cleaning method

Life of this patent

Photovoltaic panel cleaning method

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims26