Unlike with linear-elevated, fixed-mounted solar module tables, cleaning solar tracker systems has always been considered difficult as they often have swivel joints that protrude over the surface of the module. Conventional cleaning systems literally meet their limits as these block movement or suffer damage – lowering cleaning quality and increasing workload.
The new X500 brush from Sunbrush mobil GmbH now gives solar park operators a cleaning solution whose height and width can be flexibly adjusted. Thanks to the newly designed geometry of the brush, the X500 can now clean swivel joints or protruding gear components without interruption, as it allows brush pressure to be adjusted automatically, thereby ensuring consistent cleaning performance. Like a side mirror cleaning unit in a car wash, the X500 brush has an enlarged diameter that is able to overcome obstacles while cleaning them, too.
Even faster and more precise: PV diagnostic solution
Sunbrush mobil will also be showcasing its optimised PV diagnostic and monitoring system. It consists of a thermal imaging camera that can be retrofitted to the upper end of the cleaning arm and which can be used to check the functionality and efficiency of PV modules using infrared imaging. The system, which has been on the market for four years, is now able to detect and report errors even faster and more precisely thanks to further developments in the software and improved fine-tuning of the individual components. Using the cloud and intelligent image processing algorithms, a computer can also search for hotspots, string errors and other module defects and collate the results gathered into comparable performance and damage profiles.
The collected data are stored either in the SBM cloud or locally and can be accessed live in real time on a mobile tablet PC using the service app. The thermal imaging camera is equipped with a GPS transmitter to allow the exact position of the error to be located. Different recording intervals permit users to adapt speed of cleaning to the individual monitoring needs of the modules, enabling plant operators to identify defective cells, cell connectors and string diodes on site.
50 percent service cost reduction possible
Operators of large solar parks in particular will benefit from the single step combination of module cleaning and thermal imaging, enabling them to cut service costs by 50 percent, perform repairs systematically and submit credible claims for compensation to insurers and manufacturers. Sunbrush mobil developed the monitoring and diagnosis system together with the Institute for Energy and Drive Technology at Ulm University of Applied Sciences.
“As a production and development company, we are close to our customers. We therefore understand the technical challenges faced by solar parks around the world – and we take these into account,” explains Franz Ehleuter, founder and Managing Director of Sunbrush mobil GmbH. “Since founding the company in 2009, we have sold several hundred cleaning systems worldwide, including the usual solar markets in Europe as well as in South America, Australia, Africa and the Middle East. This diversity demonstrates just how vibrant the solar market is and how maintenance and cleaning are required everywhere in order to safeguard stable power output.”
