Abstract: A parasitic cleaning system for cleaning the reflective surfaces of a heliostat is disclosed. The system includes a blade carriage assembly that cleans the surface by imparting a frictional force as the carriage assembly moves across the surface to be cleaned. A cleaner drive system controls the motion of the blade carriage assembly over the surface. A guide system connects the cleaner drive system to the blade carriage assembly. The cleaner drive system applies a spring force to move the blade carriage assembly upwardly. The same spring system controls the lowering of the blade assembly over the surface to be cleaned.

Abstract: A mechanical device for cleaning a reflective glass surface is described. In one example, the glass surface is a heliostat mirror. The device includes a cleaning head and a blade assembly. In one example, the cleaning head includes an elongated base member and having a cleaning pad. The cleaning blade assembly includes a cleaning blade. The blade is mounted to the base member and is moveable between a first engaged position that causes the blade of the blade assembly to come into contact with the reflective glass surface and a second disengaged position that causes the blade of the blade assembly to come out of contact with the glass surface. A method of cleaning a glass surface is also disclosed.

Abstract: A parasitic cleaning system for cleaning the reflective surfaces of a heliostat is disclosed. The system includes a blade carriage assembly that cleans the surface by imparting a frictional force as the carriage assembly moves across the surface to be cleaned. A cleaner drive system controls the motion of the blade carriage assembly over the surface. A guide system connects the cleaner drive system to the blade carriage assembly. The cleaner drive system applies a spring force to move the blade carriage assembly upwardly. The same spring system controls the lowering of the blade assembly over the surface to be cleaned.

Abstract: A system and method for cleaning surfaces is disclosed. The system includes an elongated blade configured to remove at least one of dirt, dust, debris and film from a smooth surface. A drive system is provided for causing the blade to contact the entire smooth surface, thereby removing at least a portion of at least one of dirt, dust, debris, and film. A cleaning device automatically cleans the blade before and after the blade is cleaning the smooth surface. In one example, system is part of a heliostat system for use in a solar collection field as part of a concentrated solar power (CSP) plant.

Abstract: A mechanical device for cleaning a reflective glass surface is described. In one example, the glass surface is a heliostat mirror. The device includes a cleaning head and a blade assembly. In one example, the cleaning head includes an elongated base member and having a cleaning pad. The cleaning blade assembly includes a cleaning blade. The blade is mounted to the base member and is moveable between a first engaged position that causes the blade of the blade assembly to come into contact with the reflective glass surface and a second disengaged position that causes the blade of the blade assembly to come out of contact with the glass surface. A method of cleaning a glass surface is also disclosed.

Abstract: A system and method for cleaning surfaces is disclosed. The system includes an elongated blade configured to remove at least one of dirt, dust, debris and film from a smooth surface. A drive system is provided for causing the blade to contact the entire smooth surface, thereby removing at least a portion of at least one of dirt, dust, debris, and film. A cleaning device automatically cleans the blade before and after the blade is cleaning the smooth surface. In one example, system is part of a heliostat system for use in a solar collection field as part of a concentrated solar power (CSP) plant.