SOLARBOT
The subject of the SolarBot project is to eliminate existing technological obstacles by developing and implementing a new technology enabling the construction of SolarBots – devices designed for cyclical cleaning of the surfaces of solar farm collectors.
The main goal of the R&D work is to develop and implement a technological solution that will enable the effective removal of contaminants that reduce energy efficiency, particularly organic dust and other contaminants, from the surfaces of cleaned solar collectors. Cyclic cleaning of the photovoltaic collector surfaces is automated in a variety of weather conditions (including rainfall).
Basic technical parameters of SolarBot ::
- Weight 45kg
- Travel speed 1 m/s
- The working feed of the head automatically adjusts to the current state in which the cleaning robot is currently moving.
- The cleaning speed is selected by the program depending on the degree of demand.
- Lightweight, very durable aluminum alloy construction ensuring high rigidity of the entire system during movement.
The SOLARBOT project in numbers:
The aim of the project is to create new technology and develop current solutions for cyclical cleaning of photovoltaic collector surfaces in an automated manner in various weather conditions.
The main motive and justification for implementing the project are problems related to:
- lack of resistance of existing robots on the market to difficult weather conditions;
- low work efficiency in various weather conditions such as rain, snow, icing, etc.;
- lack of opportunities to work in a polluted environment, e.g. with polluted air on chicken farms, in large urban agglomerations, etc.
- Purchase of software for modeling and designing mechanics and electronic systems - PLN 12,960
- Purchase of fixed assets (machinery, equipment) - PLN 87,320
- Purchase of the service of developing a vision control system for solar panels - PLN 30,000
- Construction of 33 prototypes of the device.
As a result of the project implementation, a new product for the market and the company will be introduced in 2022 - an autonomous cleaning robot
- Number of enterprises receiving support - one
- Number of companies receiving subsidies - one
- Number of enterprises incurring capital expenditure on R&D activities - one
- Number of enterprises supported in conducting R&D works - one
- Number of enterprises supported in implementing R&D results - one
- Number of acquired intangible assets - 3 items
- Number of product innovations introduced - one
- Number of implemented R&D results - one
- Number of acquired research equipment - one
The SolarBots operating pracujące w ramach farmy fotowoltaicznej są spięte w jeden system przy pomocy bezprzewodowej komunikacji z serwerem. Tworzą grupę robotów czyszczących sterowanych centralnie przez zaprojektowane w tym celu algorytmy. Aplikacja (dostępna również w wersji mobilnej) dopasuje ruch i czas pracy urządzeń do warunków atmosferycznych danej lokalizacji.
SolarBots operate in 2 modes:
In cleaning mode, the robots roboty za pomocą inteligentnych szczotek zaprojektowanych specjalnie do tego typu zadań dbają o to aby panele fotowoltaiczne pochłaniały jak największą ilość światła bez względu na kurz czy warunki atmosferyczne.
W inspection mode, an advanced zaawansowany algorytm przetwarzania obrazów (w podczerwieni i w paśmie światła widzialnego) dokonuje oceny stanu powierzchni i na bieżąco informuje centralę za pomocą łączy radiowych o stanie (kondycji) panela. W tym trybie można również wykrywać uszkodzenia mechaniczne takie jak pęknięcia szkła czy rysy, które wymagają podjęcia interwencji serwisowych.
Roltec SolarBots have their own independent power source, which makes them even more autonomous.
The investment is consistent with the assumptions:
- The Europe 2020 Strategy for Smart, Sustainable, and Inclusive Growth – the project will support the implementation of innovative solutions and increase the level of innovation investment across the EU. As an SME, the grant applicant is developing an industrial base, which enhances the economic competitiveness of the region, as well as national and European competitiveness.
- Updated Development Strategy of the Wielkopolska Voivodeship until 2020 "Wielkopolska 2020" - one of the most promising industries is the production of machinery and equipment, the implementation of the project directly affects the implementation of the strategy's goals (goals 4.2, 6.1 and 6.5).
- Regional Innovation Strategy for Wielkopolska for 2015–2020. Updating (implementing) new technology for the production of robots designed for cyclical cleaning of photovoltaic collector surfaces is part of the "Industry of Tomorrow" smart specialization.
- Poznań City Development Strategy 2020+ - the project is part of "Modern Entrepreneurship".
