Technologies

Abstract/Technology Overview

Solar panels are highly vulnerable to outdoor contamination, dust, and even animal excreta. As a result, its functionality deteriorates as a layer of dust formed on its surface.

The proposed unmanned cleaning robot technology for solar panels can offer automated maintenance of panel cleanliness by removing contaminants, and inhibiting algae growth. The unmanned cleaning robot has four main components:

• High-performance wiper motor removes snow and dirt
• Power charging dock system has a maximum rated capacity 20A charger enables fast charging with high efficiency and ensures safe driving on restart
• Real-time snow, rain detection sensors enabling real-time driving according to the weather
• Rotary, strip brush made of proprietary technology removes contaminants on solar panels more effectively

Through automatic cleaning maintenance, power generation for solar panels in the Seoul World Cup Stadium has increased by up to 23%, showing significant gaps compared to the identical solar panels without automated cleaning a year before. The technology is now being deployed in various places in Japan and South Korea.  

The technology owner is seeking a partner in Singapore to collaborate through various modes including test-bedding and other forms of technical collaborations.

Technology Features, Specifications and Advantages

Technology specifications:

• Dimension: Length = 4,535mm (4m standard) x Width = 385mm x Height = 180mm
• Weight: Main unit – 58kg (4m standard), rail – 1kg/m
• Power consumption: About 160W
• Operating environment: -20 to 70°C
• Cleaning speed: 11m/min
• Noise: 70dBA
• Motor specification: DC 24V
• Battery: Lithium polymer, 22.2V
• Rated voltage: 100-240V, 50-60Hz
• Driveway: Weather sensor, timer

Potential Applications

The technology can be utilised to maintain optimal power generation capacity for solar panels and various equipment placed outdoors. It may prevent outdoor machinery from being affected in abnormal weather conditions as well as maintaining its performance. For the existing solution applicable to solar panels, it increases the panels’ capacity of generating power by cleaning and maintaining a clear, fully functional surface.  

Customer Benefit

It helps solar panels to maintain the surface to operate without contaminations, benefiting a large range of solar panel users from households to factories. It saves time, as the maintenance process would be automated, leaving the panels to operate with full capacity.