Drones, nanotechnology, robotic mechanisms, telescopic poles… innovation in glass cleaning eliminates occupational risks, avoids scaffolding, lifting platforms and ladders and limits the environmental impact.
Smarttek, a company specialized in the manufacturing of window cleaning robots, is located in Santiago de Compostela and has a Development and Support Center in Miño, both locations in the province of La Coruña. «In 2022 we realized –argues CEO José Manuel Ruiz– that there was a need to cover the cleaning of photovoltaic panels. This year we have presented the SmartBot-SP, with the capacity to clean, depending on the model, between 200 and 300 panels per hour». It is used in photovoltaic installations and plants, companies that have solar panels on their roofs, and parking lots that use the upper part for this activity. Present throughout Spain, the product is also distributed in France, Italy and Israel. In total there are about 220 in operation. Its price exceeds 20,000 euros.
Among its properties, it stands out that it is 100% autonomous and can be used by an operator without technical knowledge, is easy to install and can clean with and without water. According to different research, the production of solar or photovoltaic electricity can be reduced between 5 and almost 30% depending on the amount of dirt accumulated. “A study by the Carlos III University indicates that with severe dirt, up to 40% of energy production could be lost,” he says. In addition to large-scale professional work, Smarttek has added a new model of window cleaning robot to its catalog, the HotBot S6 Pro, with a motorized mop system that rubs the glass 600 times per minute.
Tecnan (Los Arcos, Navarra) works with nanotechnological scale materials for industrial purposes. Germán Medina, its commercial and marketing director, clarifies that there are two concepts regarding the product aimed at the ease of cleaning glass, “the hydrophobicwhich repels water, and hydrophilicwhich attracts it and creates a very thin sheet on the surface that causes a waterfall effect until no drop remains. Claudio Fernández, president of the company, explains that the first commercial experience was with an anti-rain product for car windshields. “At Tecnan we manufacture nanoparticles – says Medina – and, above all, innovative surface protectors for facades and floors made of porous materials, but also on glass, metals…”
From the experience with hydrophobicity and water repellency in vehicles, the company made the leap to architectural glass, as cleaning facilitators, declares Medina: “Both exterior glass, such as shop window glass, windows, curtain walls, and interior, with the screens. The product for car windshields is called Tecnadis GWR. The Vetrosmart range, also hydrophobic, is focused on architectural glass and screens. The Tecnadis Selfclean model is hydrophilic. The coating allows water to contact the surface, forming a thin layer that dries evenly, thus preventing the appearance of lime marks and dirt. The president of Tecnan advances that they are going to test commercially “two fluorine-free modalities, one for cars and another for screens. “We are also researching an anti-corrosion product and another against graffiti.”
The company KTV Working Drone Spain, located in San Roque (Cádiz), provides drones to glass cleaning projects in both public and private buildings. The company partners for these activities with concessionaire companies such as Acciona or Clece. Municipal corporations, such as Granada, make use of this technology. These drones, equipped with a pressure-cleaning lance, use recycled water not suitable for consumption, purified and osmosisized, and allow rapid cleaning with the consequent reduction of chemical elements.
One of the KTV cleaning drones Working Drone Spain
Its director, Edward Lewis, explains that the drones used for cleanups are of the same type, but “with different nozzles, adaptations, angles to operate.” “The nozzles vary depending on the product that is thrown against the facades,” he adds. The ecological commitment is based on the fact that any type of water can be used, “even if it is dirty from other processes, from other industries. Thanks to a purifying system, we can collect water from different points, including groundwater,” he comments. The firm aims to train former window cleaning workers so they can work as drone pilots.
Sustainability
At Initiativezul (Fuengirola, Málaga) inclusion, innovation and environmental protection go hand in hand. Concepts such as care for the environment, conservation of the construction value of buildings and surfaces and quality of life point the way for this company focused on cleaning high-rise windows, facades and maintenance and cleaning services in general. All of its workers have hearing disabilities. Focused on sustainability, the company uses ultrapure water to clean glass on facades and solar panels. Their telescopic pole methods limit the use of chemicals and environmental impact.
On the path of technological improvement, different stages have been followed, indicates its director, Antonio Luis García: «Initially we cleaned the windows with manual poles, which reached a maximum of four meters. Then we innovated with the osmosisized pure water pole, which is based on filters to eliminate resins, carbon and other minerals. The important thing is to remove limescale. “With this system we extend the height to 14 meters.” The latest modifications to buildings imposed by architects in the structure of the glass, in the railings of this product and other changes have forced Initiativezul to evolve. The greatest innovation, says García, is “the latest model of pole that allows us to achieve 24 meters». The treatment of the water used is carried out with a portable machine.
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