US 9,130,502 B1 · Photovoltaic panel cleaning machine

Abstract

The photovoltaic panel cleaning machine is installed upon a linear array of photovoltaic (solar) panels, automatically operating periodically to remove any dust, debris, and/or light condensation from the panels to optimize their efficiency. The machine is driven back and forth along tracks extending along opposite edges of the panel array, and receives electrical power from a storage battery charged by the solar panel array. The machine includes an air compressor, a blower and nozzles that blow dust and debris from the solar panels, and two different roller brushes. Air is blown over the panels on the first pass, and the machine then reverses direction to apply a first roller to the panels for further debris removal on a second pass. A third pass is made using the air blower, and the direction reverses once again, the second roller being applied on the fourth pass to statically attract any remaining debris.

Claims18

Dependent claims

A photovoltaic panel cleaning machine for cleaning a linear array of photovoltaic panels, the machine comprising:

a frame movably disposed upon the photovoltaic panels;
a plurality of panel cleaning elements disposed across the frame, the panel cleaning elements comprising a pneumatic blower, a foam plastic roller, and a synthetic fiber roller;
and
an automated system disposed on the frame, the system selectively driving the frame and the panel cleaning elements along the linear array of photovoltaic panels and selectively positioning each of the panel cleaning elements adjacent the photovoltaic panels, in sequence.

1 more element

A plurality of photovoltaic panels and a photovoltaic panel cleaning machine therefor, comprising in combination:

a linear array of photovoltaic panels;
a photovoltaic panel cleaning machine movably disposed thereon, the machine including:
a frame;
a plurality of panel cleaning elements disposed across the frame, the panel cleaning elements comprising a pneumatic blower, a foam plastic roller, and a synthetic fiber roller;
means for moving the frame across the linear array of photovoltaic panels;
and
means for selectively and alternately positioning one of the cleaning elements to the photovoltaic panels for alternately blowing compressed air across the panel, wiping dust and dirt from the panels, and electrostatically cleaning the panels.

4 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Photovoltaic panel cleaning machine

Life of this patent

Photovoltaic panel cleaning machine

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims18