WO2009061046A1 - An unmanned automatic washing device for solar cell array of solar ray generation device - Google Patents

An unmanned automatic washing device for solar cell array of solar ray generation device Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2009061046A1
WO2009061046A1 PCT/KR2008/002746 KR2008002746W WO2009061046A1 WO 2009061046 A1 WO2009061046 A1 WO 2009061046A1 KR 2008002746 W KR2008002746 W KR 2008002746W WO 2009061046 A1 WO2009061046 A1 WO 2009061046A1
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WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
cell array
solar cell
automatic washing
washing device
unmanned automatic
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/KR2008/002746
Other languages
French (fr)
Inventor
Gil-Je Cho
Original Assignee
Energy Master Co., Ltd
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Energy Master Co., Ltd filed Critical Energy Master Co., Ltd
Publication of WO2009061046A1 publication Critical patent/WO2009061046A1/en

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Classifications

    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H02—GENERATION; CONVERSION OR DISTRIBUTION OF ELECTRIC POWER
    • H02S—GENERATION OF ELECTRIC POWER BY CONVERSION OF INFRARED RADIATION, VISIBLE LIGHT OR ULTRAVIOLET LIGHT, e.g. USING PHOTOVOLTAIC [PV] MODULES
    • H02S40/00—Components or accessories in combination with PV modules, not provided for in groups H02S10/00 - H02S30/00
    • H02S40/10—Cleaning arrangements
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F24—HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
    • F24S—SOLAR HEAT COLLECTORS; SOLAR HEAT SYSTEMS
    • F24S50/00—Arrangements for controlling solar heat collectors
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F24—HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
    • F24S—SOLAR HEAT COLLECTORS; SOLAR HEAT SYSTEMS
    • F24S40/00—Safety or protection arrangements of solar heat collectors; Preventing malfunction of solar heat collectors
    • F24S40/20—Cleaning; Removing snow
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01L—SEMICONDUCTOR DEVICES NOT COVERED BY CLASS H10
    • H01L31/00—Semiconductor devices sensitive to infrared radiation, light, electromagnetic radiation of shorter wavelength or corpuscular radiation and specially adapted either for the conversion of the energy of such radiation into electrical energy or for the control of electrical energy by such radiation; Processes or apparatus specially adapted for the manufacture or treatment thereof or of parts thereof; Details thereof
    • H01L31/04—Semiconductor devices sensitive to infrared radiation, light, electromagnetic radiation of shorter wavelength or corpuscular radiation and specially adapted either for the conversion of the energy of such radiation into electrical energy or for the control of electrical energy by such radiation; Processes or apparatus specially adapted for the manufacture or treatment thereof or of parts thereof; Details thereof adapted as photovoltaic [PV] conversion devices
    • Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y02—TECHNOLOGIES OR APPLICATIONS FOR MITIGATION OR ADAPTATION AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE
    • Y02E—REDUCTION OF GREENHOUSE GAS [GHG] EMISSIONS, RELATED TO ENERGY GENERATION, TRANSMISSION OR DISTRIBUTION
    • Y02E10/00—Energy generation through renewable energy sources
    • Y02E10/40—Solar thermal energy, e.g. solar towers
    • Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y02—TECHNOLOGIES OR APPLICATIONS FOR MITIGATION OR ADAPTATION AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE
    • Y02E—REDUCTION OF GREENHOUSE GAS [GHG] EMISSIONS, RELATED TO ENERGY GENERATION, TRANSMISSION OR DISTRIBUTION
    • Y02E10/00—Energy generation through renewable energy sources
    • Y02E10/50—Photovoltaic [PV] energy

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to an unmanned automatic washing device for a solar cell array of a solar ray generation device, and more particularly, to an unmanned automatic washing device for a solar cell array of a solar ray generation device, which includes a washer section, which is installed in front of the solar cell array of the solar ray generation device, and includes a transverse arm, in the middle of a first face of which a wiper is installed such that a blade support having a plurality of blades wiping out the solar cell array is coupled with tension members, on opposite sides of which a cleaning solution feed pipes having a plurality of spray nozzles spraying a cleaning solution onto the solar cell array are installed, and on a second face of which a rain sensor detecting fall of rain is installed; driver sections, which are installed on opposite sides of the solar cell array, and each of which includes a driving motor and a chain which move the transverse arm in upward and downward directions; and a power control unit, which controls the washer section and the driver sections.
  • Such an unmanned automatic washing device is adapted to automatically wipe a solar cell array without spraying a separate cleansing solution by sensing the fall of rain using a rain sensor installed on one side of a transverse arm on which a plurality of blades is installed when it rains, by automatically driving the driving motor of a drive unit in a forward or backward direction using a power controller to move the transverse arm on a surface of the solar cell array in upward and downward directions, so that it reduces the consumption of power caused by driving of an electric motor for separately feeding the cleansing solution, and eliminates reduction in concentration efficiency caused by contamination of the surface of the solar cell array.
  • the unmanned automatic washing device promotes the highest concentration efficiency at all times to maximize solar-ray generation efficiency, and automatically wipes the solar cell array constituting the solar ray generation device.
  • each solar cell of a solar cell array of a solar ray generation device is made up of a set of N-type and P- type semiconductors, and generates electricity through a photovoltaic effect that electric current flows by means of light energy when sunlight is irradiated.
  • the dirt, the dust, the excrement, etc., which are deposited on the solar cell array of the solar ray generation device must be cleaned in a manner so that a user sprays a cleaning solution on the solar cell array, and then wipes the solar cell array with a separate cleaning tool. This gives the user inconvenience.
  • the present invention is directed to an unmanned automatic washing device for a solar cell array of a solar ray generation device that substantially obviates one or more of the problems due to limitations and disadvantages of the related art.
  • An object of the present invention is to provide an unmanned automatic washing device for a solar cell array of a solar ray generation device, which includes: a washer section, which is installed in front of the solar cell array of the solar ray generation device, and includes a transverse arm, in the middle of a first face of which a wiper is installed such that a blade support having a plurality of blades wiping out the solar cell array is coupled with tension members, on opposite sides of which a cleaning solution feed pipes having a plurality of spray nozzles spraying a cleaning solution onto the solar cell array are installed, and on a second face of which a rain sensor detecting fall of rain is installed; driver sections, which are installed on opposite sides of the solar cell array, and each of which includes a driving motor and a chain which move the transverse arm in upward and downward directions; and a power control unit, which controls the washer section and the driver sections, so that the fall of rain is detected by the rain sensor installed on the second face of the transverse arm when it rains; the driving motors of the
  • an unmanned automatic washing device for a solar cell array of a solar ray generation device which includes: a washer section, which is installed in front of the solar cell array of the solar ray generation device, and includes a transverse arm, in a middle of a first face of which a wiper is installed such that a blade support having a plurality of blades wiping out the solar cell array is coupled with tension members, on opposite sides of which a cleaning solution feed pipes having a plurality of spray nozzles spraying a cleaning solution onto the solar cell array are installed, and on a second face of which a rain sensor detecting fall of rain is installed; driver sections, which are installed on opposite sides of the solar cell array, and each of which includes a driving motor and a chain which move the transverse arm in upward and downward directions; and a power control unit, which controls the washer section and the driver sections.
  • the fall of rain is detected by the rain sensor installed on the second face of the transverse arm when it rains, and the driving motors of the driver sections are automatically driven in forward and backward directions by the power control unit.
  • the transverse arm having the plurality of blades moves up and down on the surface of the solar cell array to automatically wipe out the surface of the solar cell array without spraying the cleaning solution, so that the unmanned automatic washing device can prevent adsorption of sunlight from being reduced due to contamination of the surface of the solar cell array, and thus always promote the absorption of the sunlight to a maximum extent to thus maximize power generation efficiency of the sunlight.
  • an amount of the sprayed cleaning solution, a speed and the number of times of the reciprocating transverse arm, etc. are set by the power control unit, and the washer section and the driver sections are periodically operated to wipe out the surface of the solar cell array, so that the unmanned automatic washing device can maintain the absorption of the sunlight to a maximum extent.
  • FIG. 1 is a perspective view illustrating the state in which an unmanned automatic washing device for a solar cell array of the present invention is installed.
  • FIG. 2 is a side view of FIG. 1.
  • FIG. 3 is an enlarged side cross-sectional view illustrating a washer section of the present invention.
  • FIG. 4 is an enlarged plan cross-sectional view illustrating a washer section of the present invention.
  • FIG. 5 is an enlarged front cross-sectional view illustrating a driver section of the present invention.
  • FIG. 6 is a block diagram illustrating a washing device of the present invention.
  • washing device 10 solar cell array
  • FIG. 1 is a perspective view illustrating the state in which an unmanned automatic washing device for a solar cell array of the present invention is installed.
  • FIG. 2 is a side view of FIG. 1.
  • FIG. 3 is an enlarged side cross-sectional view illustrating a washer section of the present invention.
  • FIG. 4 is an enlarged plan cross-sectional view illustrating a washer section of the present invention.
  • FIG. 5 is an enlarged front cross- sectional view illustrating a driver section of the present invention.
  • FIG. 6 is a block diagram illustrating a washing device of the present invention.
  • the unmanned automatic washing device 1 for a solar cell array of a solar ray generation device includes a washer portion 20 washing a surface of the solar cell array 10, driver sections 30 and 31 driving the washer section 20 in upward and downward directions, and a power control unit 40 controlling the washer section 20 and the driver sections 30 and 31.
  • the washer section 20 is installed on the solar cell array 10 having a plurality of solar cells, and includes a transverse arm 21 formed in a transverse direction.
  • the washer section 20 is provided with a wiper 22 in the middle of one face thereof.
  • the wiper 22 includes a blade support 23 having a plurality of blades 24 wiping out the surface of the solar cell array 10 and tension members 25 coupled to the blade support.
  • the blades 24 are fitted into blade slots 23a of the blade support 23. When damaged or worn out, at least one of the blades 24 can be replaced. Even when moved once, these blades 24 can cleanly wipe out dirt or dust.
  • the tension members 25 applying tensile force are installed on opposite sides of the washer section between the blade support 23 into which the blades 24 are fitted and the transverse arm 21. Thereby, the tensile force of the tension members 25 is applied to the blades 24 when the surface of the solar cell array 10 is wiped out, and thus improves force wiping out the surface of the solar cell array 10.
  • the number of tension members 25 can be arbitrarily adjusted as needed.
  • the wiper 22 having the blade support 23 into which the blades 24 are fitted and the tension members 25 is provided with cleaning solution feed pipes 26 on opposite sides thereof, each of which includes a plurality of spray nozzles 27 spraying the cleaning solution onto the solar cell array 10.
  • the cleaning solution fed from a separate cleaning solution feeder section 28 is sprayed through the spray nozzles 27 as needed.
  • the cleaning solution feeder section 28 feeding the cleaning solution is separately installed like a cleaning solution feed container (not shown) in which a separate cleaning solution is contained.
  • the cleaning solution is fed under pressure by a pump (not shown) coupled separately.
  • the transverse arm 21, on which the wiper 21 and the cleaning solution feed pipes 26 are installed is provided with a rain sensor 21a on the other face thereof which senses the fall of rail.
  • the rain sensor 21a is electrically connected to the power control unit 40, and thus sends a detection signal to the power control unit 40.
  • the driver sections 30 and 31, which are for driving the transverse arm 21 of the washer section 20 in upward and downward directions, are installed on opposite sides of the washer section 20 configured as described above.
  • the driver sections 30 and 31 are fixed to opposite sides of the solar cell array 10.
  • each of the driver sections 30 and 31 fixed to opposite sides of the solar cell array 10 is adapted so that a driving sprocket 34 rotated by a driving motor 33 and a driven sprocket 35 are rotatably wound by a chain 36, and are supported by respective rotary shafts 34a and 35a.
  • the chain 36 wound around the driving and driven sprockets 34 and 35 is engaged with a movable sprocket 37 coupled to a support shaft 37a, which is movably fixed to the transverse arm 21 disposed between the opposite sides of the solar cell array 10.
  • the support shaft 37a reciprocates between the driving and driven sprockets 34 and 35 by the rotation of the chain 36.
  • the movable sprocket 37 coupled to the support shaft 37a runs idle. Further, the support shaft 37a is provided with a support roller 37b at one end thereof which is supported on a guide 38 installed inside a driving box 32 made up of the driver sections 30 and 31 so that it supports the transverse arm 21 so as to stably move up and down when the transverse arm 21 moves up and down.
  • the driving box 32 is formed with a guide slot 32a in one sidewall thereof along which the support shaft 37a formed at one end of the transverse arm 21 moves up and down.
  • Upper and lower limit switches 39a and 39b are installed adjacent to the driving and driven sprockets 34 and 35.
  • the limit switches 39a and 39b are operated such that the transverse arm 21 reciprocates within a predetermined section, namely between the driving and driven sprockets 34 and 35 when the transverse arm 21 moves up and down, and thereby stop driving the driving motor 33.
  • the washer section 20 and the driver sections 30 and 31 are operated by control of the power control unit 40.
  • the power control unit 40 controls the operation of the rain sensor 21a, the driving motors 33 of the driver sections 30 and 31, the upper and lower limit switches 39a and 39b, and the pump.
  • a reference number 100 that has not yet described in the figures indicates a support for supporting the solar cell array 10.
  • the unmanned automatic washing device 1 for a solar cell array is adapted to automatically wash the surface of the solar cell array 10 at the onset of the fall of rain.
  • the fall of rain is detected by the rain sensor 21a installed on the other face of the transverse arm 21 when it rains, and then the detected signal is sent to the power control unit 40.
  • the power control unit 40 operates the driving motors 33 of the driver sections 30 and 31, so that each driving motor 33 rotates the chain 36 wound around the driving and driven sprockets 34 and 35.
  • the blades 24 of the wiper 22 installed on one face of the transverse arm 21 contact and wipe out the solar cell array 10.
  • the tension of the tension member 25 installed on one face of the transverse arm 21 causes the blades 24 to be closely contacted with the surface of the solar cell array 10 so as to improve washing force of the blades.
  • the surface of the solar cell array 10 is washed by rainwater without a separate cleaning solution.
  • the washer section 20 and the driver sections 30 and 31 operated by detection of the rain sensor 21a reciprocate to perform the washing for a time or the number of times which is preset by the power control unit 40, and then are automatically stopped.
  • the worker operates a manipulation switch (not shown) of the power control unit 40, and thus the pump is operated by preset indication.
  • the cleaning solution is fed from the cleaning solution feeder section 28 to the cleaning solution feed pipes 26, and is sprayed onto the solar cell array 10 through the spray nozzles 27.
  • the driving motors 33 are driven to rotate the chain 36 wound around the driving and driven sprockets 34 and 35, and thus the transverse arm 21 of the washer section 20 coupled to the movable sprocket 37 and the support shaft 37a moves.
  • the blades 24 of the wiper 22 installed on one face of the transverse arm 21 is brought into close contact with the surface of the solar cell array 10 by means of the tension of the tension member 25, so that pollutant on the surface of the solar cell array are washed away.
  • the spray nozzles 27 installed on opposite sides of the transverse arm differently spray the cleaning solution depending on a moving direction of the transverse arm 21.
  • a speed and number of times of the reciprocating transverse arm 21, an amount of the cleaning solution sprayed through the spray nozzles 27, an operation cycle of the unmanned automatic washing device 1 for a solar cell array, etc. are set for the power control unit 40 by the user.
  • the unmanned automatic washing device 1 for a solar cell array is operated according to the set data.

Abstract

An unmanned automatic washing device for a solar cell array of a solar ray generation device. The unmanned automatic washing device includes a washer section, which is installed in front of the solar cell array, and includes a transverse arm, in a middle of a first face of which a wiper is installed, on opposite sides of which a cleaning solution feed pipes are installed, and on a second face of which a rain sensor is installed, driver sections, which are installed on opposite sides of the solar cell array, and each of which includes a driving motor and a chain which move the transverse arm in upward and downward directions, and a power control unit, which controls the washer section and the driver sections.

Description

Description
AN UNMANNED AUTOMATIC WASHING DEVICE FOR SOLAR CELL ARRAY OF SOLAR RAY GENERATION DEVICE
Technical Field
[1] The present invention relates to an unmanned automatic washing device for a solar cell array of a solar ray generation device, and more particularly, to an unmanned automatic washing device for a solar cell array of a solar ray generation device, which includes a washer section, which is installed in front of the solar cell array of the solar ray generation device, and includes a transverse arm, in the middle of a first face of which a wiper is installed such that a blade support having a plurality of blades wiping out the solar cell array is coupled with tension members, on opposite sides of which a cleaning solution feed pipes having a plurality of spray nozzles spraying a cleaning solution onto the solar cell array are installed, and on a second face of which a rain sensor detecting fall of rain is installed; driver sections, which are installed on opposite sides of the solar cell array, and each of which includes a driving motor and a chain which move the transverse arm in upward and downward directions; and a power control unit, which controls the washer section and the driver sections.
[2] Such an unmanned automatic washing device is adapted to automatically wipe a solar cell array without spraying a separate cleansing solution by sensing the fall of rain using a rain sensor installed on one side of a transverse arm on which a plurality of blades is installed when it rains, by automatically driving the driving motor of a drive unit in a forward or backward direction using a power controller to move the transverse arm on a surface of the solar cell array in upward and downward directions, so that it reduces the consumption of power caused by driving of an electric motor for separately feeding the cleansing solution, and eliminates reduction in concentration efficiency caused by contamination of the surface of the solar cell array. Thus, the unmanned automatic washing device promotes the highest concentration efficiency at all times to maximize solar-ray generation efficiency, and automatically wipes the solar cell array constituting the solar ray generation device. Background Art
[3] As well known in the art, each solar cell of a solar cell array of a solar ray generation device is made up of a set of N-type and P- type semiconductors, and generates electricity through a photovoltaic effect that electric current flows by means of light energy when sunlight is irradiated.
[4] Scattered dirt, dust deposited by the fall of rain, excrement of birds, etc., which are accumulated on the solar cell array of the solar ray generation device, inhibit adsorption of the sunlight which is essential to produce electricity, thereby deteriorating photoelectric transformation efficiency.
[5] Thus, as described above, the dirt, the dust, the excrement, etc., which are deposited on the solar cell array of the solar ray generation device must be cleaned in a manner so that a user sprays a cleaning solution on the solar cell array, and then wipes the solar cell array with a separate cleaning tool. This gives the user inconvenience.
[6] Further, most of the solar cell arrays constituting the solar ray generation device are installed at a high place where the sunlight is well cast such as the roof of a building. Thus, it is very dangerous for a person to clean the solar cell array. For this reason, it is difficult to clean the solar cell array by periods. As a result, the power generation efficiency of the sunlight is reduced by the dirt, the dust, etc. deposited on the solar cell array.
Disclosure of Invention Technical Problem
[7] Accordingly, the present invention is directed to an unmanned automatic washing device for a solar cell array of a solar ray generation device that substantially obviates one or more of the problems due to limitations and disadvantages of the related art.
[8] An object of the present invention is to provide an unmanned automatic washing device for a solar cell array of a solar ray generation device, which includes: a washer section, which is installed in front of the solar cell array of the solar ray generation device, and includes a transverse arm, in the middle of a first face of which a wiper is installed such that a blade support having a plurality of blades wiping out the solar cell array is coupled with tension members, on opposite sides of which a cleaning solution feed pipes having a plurality of spray nozzles spraying a cleaning solution onto the solar cell array are installed, and on a second face of which a rain sensor detecting fall of rain is installed; driver sections, which are installed on opposite sides of the solar cell array, and each of which includes a driving motor and a chain which move the transverse arm in upward and downward directions; and a power control unit, which controls the washer section and the driver sections, so that the fall of rain is detected by the rain sensor installed on the second face of the transverse arm when it rains; the driving motors of the driver sections are automatically driven in forward and backward directions by the power control unit; the transverse arm having the plurality of blades moves up and down on the surface of the solar cell array to automatically wipe out the surface of the solar cell array without spraying the cleaning solution, thereby preventing adsorption of sunlight from being reduced due to contamination of the surface of the solar cell array, and thus always promoting the absorption of the sunlight to a maximum extent to thus maximize power generation efficiency of the sunlight. Technical Solution
[9] To achieve these and other advantages and in accordance with the purpose of the present invention, as embodied and broadly described, there is provided an unmanned automatic washing device for a solar cell array of a solar ray generation device, which includes: a washer section, which is installed in front of the solar cell array of the solar ray generation device, and includes a transverse arm, in a middle of a first face of which a wiper is installed such that a blade support having a plurality of blades wiping out the solar cell array is coupled with tension members, on opposite sides of which a cleaning solution feed pipes having a plurality of spray nozzles spraying a cleaning solution onto the solar cell array are installed, and on a second face of which a rain sensor detecting fall of rain is installed; driver sections, which are installed on opposite sides of the solar cell array, and each of which includes a driving motor and a chain which move the transverse arm in upward and downward directions; and a power control unit, which controls the washer section and the driver sections.
Advantageous Effects
[10] According to the present invention, the fall of rain is detected by the rain sensor installed on the second face of the transverse arm when it rains, and the driving motors of the driver sections are automatically driven in forward and backward directions by the power control unit. Further, the transverse arm having the plurality of blades moves up and down on the surface of the solar cell array to automatically wipe out the surface of the solar cell array without spraying the cleaning solution, so that the unmanned automatic washing device can prevent adsorption of sunlight from being reduced due to contamination of the surface of the solar cell array, and thus always promote the absorption of the sunlight to a maximum extent to thus maximize power generation efficiency of the sunlight. Further, an amount of the sprayed cleaning solution, a speed and the number of times of the reciprocating transverse arm, etc. are set by the power control unit, and the washer section and the driver sections are periodically operated to wipe out the surface of the solar cell array, so that the unmanned automatic washing device can maintain the absorption of the sunlight to a maximum extent. Brief Description of the Drawings
[11] FIG. 1 is a perspective view illustrating the state in which an unmanned automatic washing device for a solar cell array of the present invention is installed.
[12] FIG. 2 is a side view of FIG. 1.
[13] FIG. 3 is an enlarged side cross-sectional view illustrating a washer section of the present invention.
[14] FIG. 4 is an enlarged plan cross-sectional view illustrating a washer section of the present invention. [15] FIG. 5 is an enlarged front cross-sectional view illustrating a driver section of the present invention.
[16] FIG. 6 is a block diagram illustrating a washing device of the present invention.
[17] <Description of Symbols of Main Parts in Drawings>
[18] 1: washing device 10: solar cell array
[19] 20: washer section 21: transverse arm
[20] 21a: rain sensor 22: wiper
[21] 23 : blade support 23a: blade slot
[22] 24: blade 25: tension member
[23] 26: cleaning solution feed pipe 27: spray nozzle
[24] 28: cleaning solution feeder section 30, 31: driver section
[25] 32: driving box 32a: guide slot
[26] 33: driving motor 34: driving sprocket
[27] 34a, 34b: rotary shaft 35: driven sprocket
[28] 36: chain 37: movable sprocket
[29] 37a: support shaft 37b: support roller
[30] 38: guide 39a and 39b: upper and lower limit switches
[31] 40: power control unit
Best Mode for Carrying Out the Invention
[32] Hereinafter, exemplary embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to accompanying drawings.
[33] FIG. 1 is a perspective view illustrating the state in which an unmanned automatic washing device for a solar cell array of the present invention is installed. FIG. 2 is a side view of FIG. 1. FIG. 3 is an enlarged side cross-sectional view illustrating a washer section of the present invention. FIG. 4 is an enlarged plan cross-sectional view illustrating a washer section of the present invention. FIG. 5 is an enlarged front cross- sectional view illustrating a driver section of the present invention. FIG. 6 is a block diagram illustrating a washing device of the present invention.
[34] As illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2, the unmanned automatic washing device 1 for a solar cell array of a solar ray generation device according to the present invention includes a washer portion 20 washing a surface of the solar cell array 10, driver sections 30 and 31 driving the washer section 20 in upward and downward directions, and a power control unit 40 controlling the washer section 20 and the driver sections 30 and 31.
[35] The washer section 20 is installed on the solar cell array 10 having a plurality of solar cells, and includes a transverse arm 21 formed in a transverse direction. The washer section 20 is provided with a wiper 22 in the middle of one face thereof. The wiper 22 includes a blade support 23 having a plurality of blades 24 wiping out the surface of the solar cell array 10 and tension members 25 coupled to the blade support.
[36] The blades 24 are fitted into blade slots 23a of the blade support 23. When damaged or worn out, at least one of the blades 24 can be replaced. Even when moved once, these blades 24 can cleanly wipe out dirt or dust.
[37] The tension members 25 applying tensile force are installed on opposite sides of the washer section between the blade support 23 into which the blades 24 are fitted and the transverse arm 21. Thereby, the tensile force of the tension members 25 is applied to the blades 24 when the surface of the solar cell array 10 is wiped out, and thus improves force wiping out the surface of the solar cell array 10.
[38] The number of tension members 25 can be arbitrarily adjusted as needed.
[39] Further, the wiper 22 having the blade support 23 into which the blades 24 are fitted and the tension members 25 is provided with cleaning solution feed pipes 26 on opposite sides thereof, each of which includes a plurality of spray nozzles 27 spraying the cleaning solution onto the solar cell array 10. Thus, the cleaning solution fed from a separate cleaning solution feeder section 28 is sprayed through the spray nozzles 27 as needed.
[40] At this time, the cleaning solution feeder section 28 feeding the cleaning solution is separately installed like a cleaning solution feed container (not shown) in which a separate cleaning solution is contained. The cleaning solution is fed under pressure by a pump (not shown) coupled separately.
[41] Further, the transverse arm 21, on which the wiper 21 and the cleaning solution feed pipes 26 are installed, is provided with a rain sensor 21a on the other face thereof which senses the fall of rail. The rain sensor 21a is electrically connected to the power control unit 40, and thus sends a detection signal to the power control unit 40.
[42] The driver sections 30 and 31, which are for driving the transverse arm 21 of the washer section 20 in upward and downward directions, are installed on opposite sides of the washer section 20 configured as described above. The driver sections 30 and 31 are fixed to opposite sides of the solar cell array 10.
[43] As illustrated in FIG. 5, each of the driver sections 30 and 31 fixed to opposite sides of the solar cell array 10 is adapted so that a driving sprocket 34 rotated by a driving motor 33 and a driven sprocket 35 are rotatably wound by a chain 36, and are supported by respective rotary shafts 34a and 35a.
[44] As described above, the chain 36 wound around the driving and driven sprockets 34 and 35 is engaged with a movable sprocket 37 coupled to a support shaft 37a, which is movably fixed to the transverse arm 21 disposed between the opposite sides of the solar cell array 10. Thus, the support shaft 37a reciprocates between the driving and driven sprockets 34 and 35 by the rotation of the chain 36.
[45] At this time, the movable sprocket 37 coupled to the support shaft 37a runs idle. Further, the support shaft 37a is provided with a support roller 37b at one end thereof which is supported on a guide 38 installed inside a driving box 32 made up of the driver sections 30 and 31 so that it supports the transverse arm 21 so as to stably move up and down when the transverse arm 21 moves up and down.
[46] Further, the driving box 32 is formed with a guide slot 32a in one sidewall thereof along which the support shaft 37a formed at one end of the transverse arm 21 moves up and down.
[47] Upper and lower limit switches 39a and 39b are installed adjacent to the driving and driven sprockets 34 and 35. The limit switches 39a and 39b are operated such that the transverse arm 21 reciprocates within a predetermined section, namely between the driving and driven sprockets 34 and 35 when the transverse arm 21 moves up and down, and thereby stop driving the driving motor 33.
[48] The washer section 20 and the driver sections 30 and 31 are operated by control of the power control unit 40. The power control unit 40 controls the operation of the rain sensor 21a, the driving motors 33 of the driver sections 30 and 31, the upper and lower limit switches 39a and 39b, and the pump.
[49] A reference number 100 that has not yet described in the figures indicates a support for supporting the solar cell array 10.
[50] As described above, the unmanned automatic washing device 1 for a solar cell array according to the present invention is adapted to automatically wash the surface of the solar cell array 10 at the onset of the fall of rain. The fall of rain is detected by the rain sensor 21a installed on the other face of the transverse arm 21 when it rains, and then the detected signal is sent to the power control unit 40. The power control unit 40 operates the driving motors 33 of the driver sections 30 and 31, so that each driving motor 33 rotates the chain 36 wound around the driving and driven sprockets 34 and 35.
[51] In this manner, as the chain 36 rotates, the movable sprocket 37 moves between the driving and driven sprockets 34 and 35. The movement of the movable sprocket 37 causes the transverse arm 21 of the washer section 20 coupled with the support shaft 37a to be moved.
[52] Thus, the transverse arm 21 moves up and down on the surface of the solar cell array
10, and thereby the blades 24 of the wiper 22 installed on one face of the transverse arm 21 contact and wipe out the solar cell array 10. The tension of the tension member 25 installed on one face of the transverse arm 21 causes the blades 24 to be closely contacted with the surface of the solar cell array 10 so as to improve washing force of the blades.
[53] As described above, when it rains, the surface of the solar cell array 10 is washed by rainwater without a separate cleaning solution. The washer section 20 and the driver sections 30 and 31 operated by detection of the rain sensor 21a reciprocate to perform the washing for a time or the number of times which is preset by the power control unit 40, and then are automatically stopped.
[54] Meanwhile, when the surface of the solar cell array 10 is washed at normal times other than the fall of rain, the worker operates a manipulation switch (not shown) of the power control unit 40, and thus the pump is operated by preset indication. Thus, the cleaning solution is fed from the cleaning solution feeder section 28 to the cleaning solution feed pipes 26, and is sprayed onto the solar cell array 10 through the spray nozzles 27. After a while, the driving motors 33 are driven to rotate the chain 36 wound around the driving and driven sprockets 34 and 35, and thus the transverse arm 21 of the washer section 20 coupled to the movable sprocket 37 and the support shaft 37a moves. The blades 24 of the wiper 22 installed on one face of the transverse arm 21 is brought into close contact with the surface of the solar cell array 10 by means of the tension of the tension member 25, so that pollutant on the surface of the solar cell array are washed away.
[55] The transverse arm 21, on which the rain sensor 21a, the spray nozzles 27 and the blades 24 are mounted, moves up and down while being supported on the guide 38 inside the driving box 32 of the driver sections 30 and 31 by detection of the rain sensor 21a or the worker s indication of the power control unit 40, and sprays the cleaning solution through the spray nozzles 27. Thereby, the surface of the solar cell array 10 is wiped out by the blades 24 of the wiper 22 followed by the spray nozzles.
[56] At this time, the spray nozzles 27 installed on opposite sides of the transverse arm differently spray the cleaning solution depending on a moving direction of the transverse arm 21.
[57] In detail, only the spray nozzles 27 disposed in a direction where the blades 24 of the transverse arm 21 moves spray the cleaning solution, while the spray nozzles 27 following the moving blades 24 do not spray the cleaning solution.
[58] A speed and number of times of the reciprocating transverse arm 21, an amount of the cleaning solution sprayed through the spray nozzles 27, an operation cycle of the unmanned automatic washing device 1 for a solar cell array, etc. are set for the power control unit 40 by the user. Thus, the unmanned automatic washing device 1 for a solar cell array is operated according to the set data.

Claims

Claims
[1] An unmanned automatic washing device for a solar cell array of a solar ray generation device, comprising: a washer section, which is installed in front of the solar cell array of the solar ray generation device, and includes a transverse arm, in a middle of a first face of which a wiper is installed such that a blade support having a plurality of blades wiping out the solar cell array is coupled with tension members, on opposite sides of which a cleaning solution feed pipes having a plurality of spray nozzles spraying a cleaning solution onto the solar cell array are installed, and on a second face of which a rain sensor detecting fall of rain is installed; driver sections, which are installed on opposite sides of the solar cell array, and each of which includes a driving motor and a chain which move the transverse arm in upward and downward directions; and a power control unit, which controls the washer section and the driver sections.
[2] The unmanned automatic washing device of claim 1, wherein the blade support includes blade slots for selectively fitting the blades.
[3] The unmanned automatic washing device of claim 1, wherein the tension members are installed on opposite upper sides of the blade support so as to increase contacting force with a surface of the solar cell array when moved to wipe out the surface of the solar cell array.
[4] The unmanned automatic washing device of claim 1, wherein the power control unit controls a speed and a number of times of the reciprocating transverse arm of the washer section.
[5] The unmanned automatic washing device of claim 1, wherein the power control unit controls a speed and an amount of the sprayed cleaning solution of the spay nozzles of the washer section.
[6] The unmanned automatic washing device of claim 1, wherein the power control unit controls rotating speed and direction of the driving motors of the driver sections.
PCT/KR2008/002746 2007-11-06 2008-05-16 An unmanned automatic washing device for solar cell array of solar ray generation device WO2009061046A1 (en)

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KR1020070112657A KR20090046478A (en) 2007-11-06 2007-11-06 An unmanned automatic washing device for solar cell array of solar ray generation device of electric power

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ITCT20090011A1 (en) * 2009-09-09 2009-12-09 Francesco Barbagallo AUTOMATIC SOLAR TRACKING AND LIFTING SYSTEM FOR CAPTURE MODULES
ITBS20090130A1 (en) * 2009-07-07 2011-01-08 Folmag Srl SYSTEM FOR AUTOMATIC CLEANING OF THE SURFACE OF SOLAR PANELS
WO2011029416A1 (en) 2009-09-14 2011-03-17 Joachim Herborn Gebäudereinigungsmeisterbetrieb GmbH Device for cleaning solar installations
DE102010048621A1 (en) * 2010-10-15 2012-04-19 Anton Jäger Device for use in system for cleaning object surface of object, particularly solar system, comprises cleaning roller, which is held in rotating manner, and guide aid for facilitating rectilinear movement of cleaning roller
US8863349B2 (en) 2012-04-18 2014-10-21 King Fahd University Of Petroleum And Minerals Steering and cleaning mechanism for reflector arrays
US9157661B2 (en) * 2010-10-01 2015-10-13 Crowd IP Box UG Service device for maintenance of a solar panel arrangement
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ITBS20090130A1 (en) * 2009-07-07 2011-01-08 Folmag Srl SYSTEM FOR AUTOMATIC CLEANING OF THE SURFACE OF SOLAR PANELS
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WO2011029416A1 (en) 2009-09-14 2011-03-17 Joachim Herborn Gebäudereinigungsmeisterbetrieb GmbH Device for cleaning solar installations
US9157661B2 (en) * 2010-10-01 2015-10-13 Crowd IP Box UG Service device for maintenance of a solar panel arrangement
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US8863349B2 (en) 2012-04-18 2014-10-21 King Fahd University Of Petroleum And Minerals Steering and cleaning mechanism for reflector arrays
US10111563B2 (en) 2013-01-18 2018-10-30 Sunpower Corporation Mechanism for cleaning solar collector surfaces

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