Transferring device for transferring a service robot for solar modules

Simple SummaryContent extracted from patent full text and abstract with AI.

This invention describes a mobile transferring device designed to autonomously move a service robot, such as a cleaning robot, between parallel rows of inclined solar modules. The device positions itself beside a row, aligns its adjustable transfer platform with the angle of the solar panels, enables seamless handover and reception of the robot (without any structural connection to the solar rows), and then transfers the robot to another row for surface cleaning or inspection. The device includes features like GPS navigation, wireless communication, autonomous movement on rough terrain, and the ability to generate power via integrated solar cells.

Use CasesContent extracted from patent full text and abstract with AI.

• Automated cleaning of large-scale solar farms to remove dust, sand, and debris from PV panels.
• Routine inspection of solar panels for faults, cracks, or soiling using an inspection robot.
• Night-time maintenance services on solar modules to avoid operational losses during daylight.
• Reduction of human labor and avoidance of workplace injuries in solar farm maintenance.
• Transfer of various types of mobile service robots (cleaning, inspection, security) across PV arrays.

BenefitsContent extracted from patent full text and abstract with AI.

• Eliminates the need for fixed, expensive, or complex infrastructure between solar panel rows for robot transfer.
• Increases efficiency and reduces operational costs of solar farm maintenance by automating cleaning and inspection.
• Flexibly adapts to different terrains and varying angles of solar arrays, thanks to its mobile and adjustable design.
• Reduces downtime and ensures higher energy yield by facilitating prompt and regular cleaning, especially after environmental events such as sandstorms.
• Protects expensive service robots from environmental elements when parked, and enables on-site battery charging using solar power.
• Improves safety by minimizing manual handling of heavy cleaning devices and operating predominantly via remote or autonomous control.
• Can be integrated with modern navigation and sensor systems, enabling precise operations and reductions in maintenance errors.

Technical Classifications (CPCs)

Inventors & Applicants

Patent Abstract

The invention relates to a transferring device for transferring a service robot, in particular a cleaning device (6a, 6b; 7a, 7b) for the surface cleaning of a plurality of solar modules (3, 4) which are arranged in rows and at a first angle (9a) to the horizontal, wherein the solar modules (3, 4) are arranged in a plurality of rows (1, 2) extending parallel to one another and at a distance from one another, characterized in that the transferring device (8) is arranged beside a first row (1) and is capable of travelling from the first to the second row (2) in order to transfer the cleaning device (6a, 6b; 7a, 7b) from the first to the second row (1, 2), wherein the transferring device (8) has a transferring plane (12), which is arranged at the first angle (9a), for receiving and delivering the cleaning device (6a, 6b; 7a, 7b).