Cleaning device for sunlight collecting devices in a solar thermal electric power generation system

Abstract

A device for cleaning a collector of a solar thermal electric power generation system is provided which does not need to secure any water source or the like and which improves the flexibility of selection of a place for installing the solar thermal electric power generation system. The cleaning device includes an air supply device and an air nozzle configured to blow air supplied from the air supply device, which are mounted on a self-propelled truck. The cleaning device is capable of blowing air blown from the air nozzle against a sunlight reflecting surface of a collector to clean up the sunlight reflecting surface. The air nozzle is configured to be capable of moving up and down. The cleaning device further includes a soiling degree measuring device for measuring soiling degrees of the sunlight reflecting surface before and after air blowing by the air nozzle.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD[0001]The present invention relates to a cleaning device for cleaning sunlight reflecting surfaces of sunlight collecting devices arranged in lines in a solar thermal electric power generation system. More specifically, the invention relates to a cleaning device for removing dust and dirt that are likely to deposit on the sunlight reflecting surfaces of such sunlight collecting devices.BACKGROUND ART[0002]Unlike electric power generation using fossil fuels, solar thermal electric power generation utilising solar thermal energy is a technique capable of satisfying energy demand without affecting the earth's environment. That is, solar energy is a stable zero-cost energy source taking the place of fossil fuels. Further, the adoption of solar thermal electric power generation system makes it possible to prevent a great deal of emissions of carbon dioxide, and hence can contribute to the prevention of global warming.[0003]FIG. 10 is a schematic view showing a solar therma...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0036]According to the present invention, the reflecting surfaces of the collectors can be cleaned by using air, which is inexhaustible in any region and, hence, a limitation by reason of cleaning equipment does not exist when selecting a place for installing a solar thermal electric power generation system. Further, there is no need to consume large amounts of water, which is valuable in a desert or the like. The cleaning device has a simplified structure since the cleaning device is an air blowing device.

[0037]The foregoing and further contents of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description made with reference to the drawings.

Problems solved by technology

Deposition of dust and dirt forms a soiled portion on the reflecting surface, which reduces sunlight reflection efficiencies, thus resulting in a reduced collection of the solar thermal energy.

However, cleaning with water cannot be effected in a region where it is difficult to secure a water source having sufficient amount of water or in a place where it is difficult to get water from a water supply station.

Even when such a water source or the like is secured, in a place under a bad water supply condition, cleaning water has to be frequently brought from a water supply station by a tank truck or the like, hence, an increase in operation cost is unavoidable.

When the cleaning water contains impurities, another problem arises that these impurities remain on the reflecting surfaces after the water has dried, thereby lowering the reflection efficiency thereof.

Thus, a water source or a water supply station tends to become a limiting condition when selecting a place for installing a solar thermal electric power generation system.

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