System and method for autonomous adaptive cleaning of PV panels based on high level control signals
US9584064B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Oct 10, 2012 |
| Grant date | Feb 28, 2017 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jan 13, 2035 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY02E10/50
- WIPO fieldElectrical machinery, apparatus, energy
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
A solar energy system and method of cleaning photovoltaic panels is provided. Measurements relating to weather at a photovoltaic panel are received by the system. Measurements relating to output current and voltage at the photovoltaic panel are received by the system. Expected power of the photovoltaic panel is determined based on the measurements relating to weather. Actual power of the photovoltaic panel is determined based on the measurements relating to output current and voltage. In response to determining that the actual power is not within a predetermined range of the expected power (e.g. at least one photovoltaic panel is dirty), a cleaning of the photovoltaic panel is initiated.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.