Washing system for solar panels
A method and system for cleaning an array of solar panels. The system can include an applicator apparatus configured with a plurality of cleaning devices, and an automatic position system (APS) configured with the applicator apparatus. The APS can include a first and second sensor coupled to the applicator apparatus. A controller coupled to the first and second sensor devices can be configured to adjust a position of the applicator apparatus to maintain the plurality of cleaning devices in a direction facing a solar panel to facilitate a removal of an undesired material from the solar panel, while the applicator apparatus is moved from a first position to a second position. A mobile vehicle can be configured with the applicator apparatus to move along a row of the array of solar panels to perform the method for cleaning.
1. A solar panel cleaning device comprising:
an applicator including a plurality of nozzles configured to spay a cleaning fluid;
a plurality of bars, arranged orthogonal to a longitudinal axis of the applicator and extending beyond sides the applicator;
a first pair of sensors, disposed at distal ends a first of the plurality of bars, the first of the plurality of bars located proximate a first end of the applicator;
a second pair of sensors, disposed at distal ends a second of the plurality of bars, the second of the plurality of bars disposed proximate a second end of the applicator; and
a controller coupled to the first and second pairs of sensors and configured to adjust a position of the applicator with respect to a vehicle to maintain an orientation of the plurality of nozzles facing a solar panel to facilitate removal of undesired material by the cleaning fluid.
2. The device of claim 1 , wherein the sensors are ultrasonic sensors.
3. The device of claim 1 , wherein an axis of the applicator is configured perpendicular to a direction of translational movement of the device.
4. The device of claim 1 , further comprising a wheel configured to roll over a surface of a solar panel and maintain a distance of the applicator from the solar panel.
5. The device of claim 1 , further comprising a brush configured to physically remove undesired material from a surface of the solar panel.
6. The device of claim 5 , wherein the brush is coupled to a bar structure to facilitate tracking of the brush.
7. The device of claim 5 , wherein the brush has a length configured perpendicular to a direction of translational movement.
8. The device of claim 5 further comprising a plurality of air nozzles configured with compressed air to remove the undesired material from the brush.
9. The device of claim 1 , wherein the controller is configured to maintain an angle of the applicator to a solar panel.
10. The device of claim 1 , wherein each sensor is a proximity sensor configured to position the plurality of nozzles.