Development of Autonomous Solar PV Panel Cleaning Robot

Subcategory (under Clean Energy): Solar (PV)
Technology Readiness Level (TRL): TRL 4 - Early prototype
Technology Outline (Process Description)

Dust and other impurities deposit on the surface of the solar panels reducing the energy generation. PSG together with industry partner Solavio has developed prototypes of autonomous, water-free cleaning robot to effectively clean the Solar Panels. The robots will have a 4-wheel DC drive system with specially designed control and management system for efficient operation. The Robots design will ensure suitability to clean all type of Solar Panel installations including Roof Top, Ground Mount, Carports, Fixed/ Seasonal tilt, and Single axis Tracker safely and effectively. The robots can withstand harsh environmental conditions of all kinds of terrain with Onboard Panels for Charging and cloud control platforms for real time monitoring and control of the robot. The robots will fitted with Ergonomic, easy to Lift Handles enabling the bot to be easily shifted between different Rows.

Salient Features/Advantages

  • Dry Cleaning: Unique Tubular Bristle Brush / micro fiber cloth helps in removing fine and hard dusts from the surface of
  • BOTs will have modular construction for quick and easy replacement of
  • Swappable battery mount design allows the robot to be used multiple times for larger area
  • Robot can be controlled in multiple ways including on On-board controls, Time Scheduler and IoT – Cloud
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Key Outcomes

  • Robot for ground mount and carport installations: Modular Design of autonomous Solar Panel Cleaning robot with Soft Bristles or micro fiber cloth and simple, easy to assemble design. Master control unit with capability for IoT enablement, remote control and management

  • Robot for rooftop: Lite Weight modular Design enables the use of a single BOT across a variety of systems configurations (from small sizes rooftop systems to large scale commercial power plants). The Robot uses a combination of robotic and artificial intelligence (AI) programming to efficiently and effectively clean panels.

IP Protection details

  • Patent filed (Title, national/International): National /Application No.: 202241069871
  • Patents Granted: Nil
  • Copyrights obtained /progress on commercialisation /Pl. specify connect with industry: Industry partner working on to further build on the Proto

Contact details (for more information)

  • Nodal Person name: Dr.M.Sundaram
  • Email ID: msm.eee@psgtech.ac.in
  • Organisation name (Relevant link/web page): PSG College of Technology, Coimbatore – 641 004. https://www.psgtech.edu
Supporting Photographs/Images

Organizations involved in the development (logo/name)

PSG College of Technology, Coimbatore – 641 004.

Solavio Labs Pvt Ltd Coimbatore – 641 012

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