A composition for treating solar and / or photovoltaic panels

Abstract

The present invention relates to a composition suitable for treating solar and / or photovoltaic panels. The invention further relates to a process for cleaning solar or photovoltaic panels and a solar or photovoltaic panel, or a portion thereof, comprising the composition. Finally, the invention relates to a system for washing or for maintaining or cooling at least one solar or photovoltaic panel.

Description

[0001] A COMPOSITION FOR TREATING SOLAR AND / OR PHOTOVOLTAIC PANELS

[0002] *******

[0003] DESCRIPTION

[0004] The present invention relates to a composition suitable for treating solar and / or photovoltaic panels.

[0005] STATE OF THE ART

[0006] Solar energy is considered one of the most promising renewable sources for a more sustainable global energy future. By 2030, energy from sunlight is estimated to account for 10% of total generation, with most systems installed in desert areas, where sunlight is strong and abundant.

[0007] Recent research and experiments in the field of solar technologies are focusing almost exclusively on achieving greater efficiency of solar systems, but often science does not consider the fact that there are also other ways to achieve significant improvements, for example by implementing the systems already in use.

[0008] For example, dust deposited on solar panels represents a major obstacle to the efficient operation of solar panels: in just one month, excessive deposits can indeed reduce the energy output of solar systems by 30%.

[0009] For this reason, regular cleaning of solar panels is essential to significantly improve the overall efficiency and reliability of the systems. However, the removal of dust and other particles requires large amounts of water which accounts for about 10% of the operating costs for the maintenance of the systems.

[0010] The water footprint of the solar industry is therefore high, especially if we think of the installations in the areas where there is not much water available; however, the energy supply from the sun is destined to grow, and, consequently, also the relative water consumption for cleaning the panels. Therefore, it is necessary to find alternative solutions to make this sector more sustainable. Cleaning solar panels currently requires the use of around thirty-nine billion litres of water per year, which amount could meet the drinking water needs of two million people.

[0011] However, the problem is not just water, because the presence of dust on solar panels decreases both the amount of energy in output and the power of the system: MIT scientists have calculated that in a 150 MW installation, the excessive presence of dust could result in a loss of $200,000 in annual revenue. And if calculations are broadened, globally a 3-4% reduction in energy production from solar systems would equate to a loss of between $3 billion and $5 billion.

[0012] Therefore, the need is felt to clean the solar panels using a smaller amount of water or even without using water, avoiding creating scratches on the surface that would still reduce the efficiency of the systems.

[0013] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0014] A first aspect of the present invention relates to a composition suitable for treating a solar and / or photovoltaic panel comprising a titanium compound, at least one semiconductor, a lanthanoid, at least one solvent, and optionally but preferably at least one antibacterial agent. Preferably, the titanium compound is present in a concentration of between 1 and 10% volume / volume (v / v) of the composition, the at least one semiconductor is present in a concentration of between 1 and 10% v / v of the composition, the lanthanoid is present in a concentration of between 0.5 and 5% v / v of the composition, and the at least one solvent is present in a concentration of between 60 and 90% v / v of the composition.

[0015] Preferably, the titanium compound is present in a concentration of between 2 and 9% volume / volume (v / v) of the composition, the at least one semiconductor is present in a concentration of between 2 and 9% v / v of the composition, the lanthanoid is present in a concentration of between 0.5 and 4% v / v of the composition, and the at least one solvent is present in a concentration of between 70 and 90% v / v of the composition.

[0016] Preferably, the titanium compound is titanium phosphate, the at least one semiconductor is selected from: a silicon compound, preferably silicon oxide, perovskite and molybdenite, the antibacterial compound is selected from: silver, copper, graphene nanotubes, and the lanthanoid is selected from: cerium, scandium and yttrium and combinations thereof.

[0017] Preferably, the titanium compound is trititanium tetrakis, the at least one semiconductor is silicon oxide, the antibacterial compound is silver oxide, and the lanthanoid is cerium.

[0018] A second aspect of the present invention relates to a process for cleaning and / or maintaining at least one surface of a solar panel and / or a photovoltaic panel, comprising at least one step of applying the abovedescribed composition to at least one surface of a solar panel and / or a photovoltaic panel.

[0019] A third aspect of the present invention relates to a solar panel and / or a photovoltaic panel or a part thereof, comprising and / or coated with the composition described above.

[0020] A fourth aspect of the present invention relates to a system 1 for cleaning and / or washing and / or cooling a solar and / or photovoltaic panel comprising at least one container 10 for a washing liquid, an inflow means 12 and an outflow means 11 for the inflow and outflow of the washing liquid into and from said container 10 connected to said container 10, at least one tank 16 suitable for containing the composition described above, at least one nozzle 17 suitable for depositing the washing liquid on at least one surface of at least one solar and / or photovoltaic panel 100, and at least one recovery means 18 for recovering the washing liquid connected to the inflow means 12 of the container 10. Preferably, the tank 16 comprises the composition described above. Preferably, an outflow means 11 is connected to the at least one tank 16, the washing liquid being mixed with the composition described above before reaching the at least one nozzle 17. Preferably, the outflow means 11 is connected to an irrigation means 150 suitable for irrigating at least one field and / or garden. Preferably, the system 1 comprises at least one temperature sensor 111 connected or attached to the at least one panel 100, wherein said at least one sensor 111 is adapted, upon the exceeding of a temperature threshold value detected by the at least one temperature sensor 111 , to activate the system 1 , thereby cooling the at least one panel 100 with the washing liquid and / or with the composition described above, said washing liquid and / or said composition being deposited by the at least one nozzle 17 on the panel 100 or a portion thereof of said panel 100.

[0021] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0022] Figure 1 shows a schematic of the system subject-matter of the present invention.

[0023] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0024] A first aspect of the present invention relates to a composition suitable for treating solar and / or photovoltaic panels.

[0025] In one embodiment, said composition comprises a titanium compound, at least one semiconductor, at least one antibacterial agent, a lanthanoid and at least one solvent.

[0026] Preferably, the composition comprises the titanium compound in a concentration of between 1 and 10% volume / volume (v / v) of the composition, preferably of between 2 and 9% v / v, more preferably of between 4 and 8% v / v.

[0027] Preferably, the titanium compound is selected from: an oxide of titanium and titanium phosphate. In a preferred embodiment, the titanium compound is titanium phosphate, preferably trititanium tetrakis. Tetrakis trititanium is a compound of titanium, also known as Trititanium tetrakis(phosphate).

[0028] In one embodiment, which complements and adds to what has already been described, the composition comprises the at least one semiconductor in a concentration of between 1 and 10% volume / volume (v / v) of the composition, preferably of between 2 and 9% v / v, more preferably of between 4 and 8% v / v.

[0029] Preferably, the at least one semiconductor is selected from: a silicon compound, preferably silicon oxide, perovskite and molybdenite. Preferably, the at least one semiconductor is silicon oxide.

[0030] Preferably, the composition comprises the antibacterial compound in a concentration of between 2 and 10% v / v of the composition, preferably of between 3 and 9% v / v, more preferably of between 4 and 8% v / v.

[0031] Preferably, the antibacterial compound is selected from: silver, copper, graphene nanotubes. In a preferred embodiment, the antibacterial compound is silver, preferably silver oxide.

[0032] In one embodiment, the composition comprises the lanthanoid in a concentration of between 0.5 and 5% v / v of the composition, preferably of between 0.5 and 4% v / v, more preferably of between 1 and 3% v / v.

[0033] Preferably, the lanthanoid is selected from: cerium, scandium and yttrium and combinations thereof. In a preferred embodiment, the lanthanoid is cerium.

[0034] Furthermore, the composition preferably comprises at least one solvent, more preferably an aqueous solvent, preferably water. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the solvent is water, preferably demineralized water.

[0035] In one embodiment, the composition comprises at least one solvent in a concentration of between 60 and 90% v / v of the composition, preferably of between 70 and 90% v / v, more preferably of between 75 and 85% v / v.

[0036] A second aspect of the present invention relates to a process for cleaning and / or maintaining at least one surface of a solar panel and / or a photovoltaic panel. Said process comprises at least one step of applying the composition described above in detail on at least one surface of a solar panel and / or a photovoltaic panel.

[0037] Preferably, said at least one surface is an outer portion of the solar or photovoltaic panel. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the process comprises at least one step of applying the above-described composition on the surface of at least one glass or structure capable of allowing solar rays to penetrate the solar and / or photovoltaic panel. In fact, in solar or photovoltaic panels use is made of glass or transparent structures that allow solar rays to penetrate in order to store solar energy and use it directly for heating water for domestic use or for the conversion of solar energy into electricity through photovoltaic modules.

[0038] The composition is applied with methods and techniques known to the person skilled in the art. Preferably, the composition is applied on at least one surface of a solar and / or photovoltaic panel by spraying.

[0039] A third aspect of the present invention relates to a solar panel and / or a photovoltaic panel or a part of said solar and / or photovoltaic panel comprising and / or coated with the composition described above in detail. In other words, the invention also relates to a solar panel and / or panel or a photovoltaic module, or a part thereof, for example a solar or photovoltaic panel glass which has been treated with the composition described and claimed therein.

[0040] The Applicant has in fact surprisingly found that the composition subject- matter of the present invention is able to maintain a high efficiency of the solar and photovoltaic panels. In fact, the composition has a high hydrophilic component that allows external portions of the panels, preferably the coating glass of the solar and photovoltaic panels, to avoid accumulating agents that affect the efficiency of the panel itself. In fact, the deposition of external agents brought by rain, animals or other atmospheric agents can reduce the passage of sunlight into the panel and, therefore, also the efficiency of the same. The composition deposited on a solar or photovoltaic panel provides unique properties that allow atmospheric agents, such as wind, rain and humidity, to remove dirt, contaminants and pollutants, keeping the surfaces of the panels clean for a long time, simplifying and drastically reducing the cycles and costs of the works for maintenance and cleaning. The treatment for the solar panels subject-matter of this application is an innovative solution developed in nanotechnology with photocatalytic properties capable of providing an anti-reflective, anti-scratch coating, with marked hydrophilic, antibacterial and air-purifying properties.

[0041] In addition, the solution provides the panels with important self-cleaning properties even in the absence of light. In fact, the composition is active and does not use photocatalysis processes, unlike solutions currently on the market. The composition is also able to attract UVA, UVB and UVC rays limiting or preventing overheating of the panel. A further advantage lies in the ability of the composition, once applied to the solar or photovoltaic panel, to prevent the growth of fungi, moulds, bacteria and yeasts on the surface treated with the composition itself.

[0042] A fourth aspect of the present invention relates to a system 1 for cleaning and / or washing and / or cooling a solar and / or photovoltaic panel.

[0043] In one embodiment, the system 1 comprises at least one container 10 for a washing liquid, an inflow means 12 and an outflow means 11 for the inflow and outflow of the washing liquid into and from said container 10 connected to said container 10, at least one tank 16 suitable for containing the composition described above in detail, at least one nozzle 17 suitable for depositing the washing liquid on at least one surface of at least one solar and / or photovoltaic panel 100, and at least one recovery means 18 for recovering the washing liquid connected to the inflow means 12 of the container 10.

[0044] Preferably, the container 10 is a recovery tank comprising or consisting of plastic or metallic material, preferably plastic material, such as for example polypropylene. Preferably, at least one portion of the container 10, more preferably at least an inner portion of the recovery tank comprises or is coated with at least one antibacterial and / or anti-algal agent.

[0045] Preferably, at least one portion of the container 10, more preferably at least an outer portion of the recovery tank comprises or is coated with at least one thermal insulator, more preferably anti-UV. Preferably, the inflow 11 and outflow means 12 are pipes of metallic and / or plastic material. Said inflow 11 and outflow means 12, are for example high- strength multilayer tubes comprising at least one outer layer of metallic and / or plastic material and at least one inner layer comprising carbon and / or graphene nanotubes.

[0046] Preferably, the outflow means 12 is attached to a water system 13 or to a water network for the supply of water. Said water system 13 preferably comprises a descaler and / or a softener 130 and at least one pump 14. Preferably, circulation of water from the water network takes place with the at least one pump 14, preferably electric, with controller and preferably, the pump 14 is positioned at the lowest point of the water connection, consequently based on thrust, distance, water cubing the pumps will have a different flow rate volume.

[0047] In one embodiment, which complements and adds to what has already been described, the outflow means 11 is connected to the at least one nozzle 17 so that the washing liquid can be deposited on at least one surface of the solar and / or photovoltaic panel 100 through the at least one nozzle 17. Preferably, the outflow systems 11 comprises or is connected to at least one heating means 15 suitable for heating the washing fluid.

[0048] In one embodiment, which complements and adds to what has already been described, the tank 16 contains the composition described in detail above. Preferably, said outflow means 11 is connected to the at least one tank 16, so that the washing liquid is optionally but preferably mixed with the composition as described in detail above before reaching the at least one nozzle 17. In other words, the washing liquid and the composition subject- matter of the present invention are mixed in the outflow means 11 for the outflow of the washing liquid and, therefore, are adapted to be deposited on at least one portion of the panel 100.

[0049] Preferably, the system 1 further comprises at least one recovery means 18 for recovering the washing liquid. Said at least one recovery means 18 is preferably at least one ducting or other suitable means for recovering the liquid after it has been deposited on at least one portion of the panel 100. Preferably, said at least one recovery means is connected to the inflow means 12 of the recovery tank 10.

[0050] In one embodiment, which complements and adds to what has already been described, the at least one nozzle 17 is positioned at an upper end 110 of the panel 100, and the at least one recovery means 18 is positioned on a lower side 111 of the panel, opposite to the upper side 110. Preferably, the panel 100 is positioned on a surface having a slope, i.e. inclined, such as for example the roof of a building, where the upper side 110 of the panel 100 is positioned at a height from a ground higher than the height of the lower side 111. In other words, the panel 100 is positioned so that the washing liquid outflows from the at least one nozzle 17 towards the lower side 111 under the effect of gravity, and is poured into the at least one recovery means 18.

[0051] Preferably, the washing liquid by flowing into the at least one recovery means 18 enters the inflow means 12 and is poured into the recovery tank 10. Preferably, the recovery tank 10 comprises at least one monitoring system 102 for preventing overflow of the liquid from the tank 10, said at least one monitoring system 102 being at least one valve. Said at least one monitoring system 12 is attached to at least one outlet means 103, preferably at least one pipe, for discharging excess liquid.

[0052] In one embodiment which complements and adds to what has already been described, the outflow means 11 is attached to an irrigation means 150. In other words, the system 1 is connected to at least one system for irrigating fields and / or gardens. Preferably, the outflow means is connected to the irrigation means through at least one valve capable of preventing the mixing of the washing liquid with the composition in the tank 16 and, therefore, preventing the inflow of the washing liquid to the at least one nozzle 17.

[0053] Preferably, the at least one recovery means 18 is also suitable for the recovery of rainwater which, therefore, is conveyed into the recovery tank 10. In one embodiment, which complements and adds to what has already been described, the system 1 comprises at least one temperature sensor 111. Preferably, said at least one temperature sensor is connected or attached to the at least one panel 100. Said at least one sensor 100 is preferably attached to an integrated system for controlling the temperature of the at least one panel 100. Preferably, upon the exceeding of a temperature threshold value detected by the at least one temperature sensor 111 , the integrated system activates the system 1 thereby cooling the at least one panel 100 with the washing liquid and / or with the composition deposited by the at least one nozzle 17 on the panel or a portion thereof.

[0054] Preferably, said system 1 further comprises means for remote control 20 of the system 1 , for example a home automation system, and at least one meter 19 for evaluating the production of electricity by the panel 100.

[0055] In one embodiment, the system 1 is attached to a plurality of solar and / or photovoltaic panels 100.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A composition suitable for treating solar and / or photovoltaic panel, comprising a titanium compound, at least one semiconductor, a lanthanoid, at least one solvent, and optionally but preferably at least one antibacterial agent, wherein the titanium compound is present in a concentration of between 1 and 10% volume / volume (v / v) of the composition, wherein the at least one semiconductor is present in a concentration of between 1 and 10% v / v of the composition, wherein the lanthanoid is present in a concentration of between 0.5 and 5% v / v of the composition, and wherein the at least one solvent is present in a concentration of between 60 and 90% v / v of the composition.

2. The composition according to claim 1 , wherein the titanium compound is present in a concentration of between 2 and 9% volume / volume (v / v) of the composition, wherein the at least one semiconductor is present in a concentration of between 2 and 9% v / v of the composition, wherein the lanthanoid is present in a concentration of between 0.5 and 4% v / v of the composition, and wherein the at least one solvent is present in a concentration of between 70 and 90% v / v of the composition.

3. The composition according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the titanium compound is titanium phosphate, wherein the at least one semiconductor is selected from: a silicon compound, preferably silicon oxide, perovskite and molybdenite, wherein the antibacterial compound is selected from: silver, copper, graphene nanotubes, and wherein the lanthanoid is selected from: cerium, scandium, and yttrium and combinations thereof.

4. The composition according to claim 3, wherein the titanium compound is trititanium tetrakis, the at least one semiconductor is silicon oxide, the antibacterial compound is silver oxide and wherein the lanthanoid is cerium.

5. A process for cleaning and / or maintaining at least one surface of a solar panel and / or photovoltaic panel, comprising at least a step of applying the composition according to any one of claims 1 -4 on at least one surface of a solar panel and / or photovoltaic panel.

6. A solar panel and / or a photovoltaic panel or a part thereof, comprising and / or coated with the composition according to any one of claims 1 -4.

7. A system (1 ) for cleaning and / or washing and / or cooling a solar and / or photovoltaic panel, comprising at least one container (10) for a washing liquid, an inflow means (12) and an outflow means (11 ) for the inflow and outflow of the washing liquid into and from said container (10) and connected to said container (10), at least one tank (16) suitable for containing the composition according to any one of claims 1 -4, at least one nozzle (17) suitable for depositing the washing liquid on at least one surface of at least one solar and / or photovoltaic panel (100), and at least one recovery means (18) for recovering the washing liquid connected to the inflow means (12) of the container (10).

8. The system (1 ) according to claim 7, wherein the tank (16) comprises the composition according to any one of claims 1 -4.

9. The system (1 ) according to claim 7 or 8, wherein the outflow means (11 ) is connected to the at least one tank (16), the washing liquid mixing with the composition according to any one of claims 1 -4 before reaching the at least one nozzle (17).

10. The system (1 ) according to any one of claims 7-9, wherein the outflow means (11 ) is connected to an irrigation means (150) suitable for irrigating at least one field and / or a garden.11 . The system (1 ) according to any one of claims 7-10, comprising at least one temperature sensor (111 ) connected or attached to the at least one panel (100), wherein said at least one sensor (111 ) is adapted, upon the exceeding of a threshold temperature value detected by the at least one temperature sensor (111 ), to activate the system (1 ), thereby cooling the at least one panel (100) with the washing liquid and / or the compositionaccording to any one of claims 1-4, said washing liquid and / or said composition being deposited by the at least one nozzle (17) on the panel (100) or a portion of said panel (100).

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