Method for the preparation of a protective curing nano-coating for a photovoltaic panel, based on the 9h nano-ceramic coating and the incorporation of titanium dioxide tio2

Abstract

The invention relates to a method for preparing a protective nano-coating for photovoltaic panels, with the aim of improving their energy efficiency and reducing operational interventions by up to 25%. This nano-coating is based on a 9H nano-ceramic coating to which 20 wt.% of titanium dioxide (TiO₂) has been added, obtained from titanium(IV) butoxide or isopropoxide. The TiO₂ acts as the main component of the self-cleaning layers of the coating, which lower the specific heat, reduce thermal absorption and fluctuations, and increase the effectiveness of the panel. When exposed to ultraviolet radiation, the coating triggers a sintering process that chemically bonds the nano-particles on the glass surface of the panel, forming a thin, durable film that is resistant to wear and dissolution, similar to "liquid glass", which protects the photovoltaic panel and optimises its performance.

Description

[0001] DESCRIPTIVE MEMORANDUM

[0002] Utility Model Field

[0003] The present utility model relates in general to the coatings to be applied on the surface of a photovoltaic panel, in order to avoid the loss of energy production due to the effect of dirt and dust on a specific photovoltaic panel with a protective curing nano-coating for a photovoltaic panel, based on the 9H nano-ceramic coating.

[0004] Background of the Utility Model

[0005] The following discussion of the prior art is intended to present the utility model in an appropriate technical context and allow its advantages to be properly appreciated. However, unless clearly stated otherwise, reference to any prior art in this specification should not be construed as an express or implied admission that such art is widely known or forms part of common knowledge in the field of protective coatings for photovoltaic panels.

[0006] Photovoltaic Panel

[0007] A photovoltaic panel consists of a series of photovoltaic cells protected by glass on the front and a plastic material on the back, acting as a cover. All of this is vacuum-sealed in a polymer that is as transparent as possible.

[0008] Photovoltaic solar cell

[0009] The cells are the main component and have the function of capturing sunlight and converting it into electricity.

[0010] Crystalline cells can be monocrystalline or polycrystalline, depending on their manufacturing process.

[0011] This, however, does not affect the photovoltaic module production process. The main technical characteristics are: size, color, number of busbars, and, above all, conversion efficiency.

[0012] This last parameter is the main factor affecting the panel's power output. During this period, the most common cells were polycrystalline, with an efficiency of around 17.6%, resulting in a 250W photovoltaic module with 60 cells. The cells are interconnected by a thin copper tape coated with a tin alloy.

[0013] Front glass

[0014] The front glass is the heaviest part of the photovoltaic module and serves to protect and ensure the robustness of the entire module while maintaining high transparency. The thickness of this layer is typically 3.2 mm, but can vary from 2 mm to 4 mm depending on the type of glass chosen. It is important to pay attention to characteristics such as the quality of the tempering, spectral transmittance, and light transmittance.

[0015] Back cover

[0016] They are made of a plastic material that serves to electrically insulate, protect, and shield the photovoltaic cells from the elements and humidity. Specific versions exist that may differ in thickness, color, and the presence of particular materials for greater shielding or increased mechanical resistance.

[0017] Encapsulating material

[0018] One of the most important materials is the encapsulant, which acts as a binder between the various layers of the photovoltaic panel. The most common material used as an encapsulant is EVA – ethylene vinyl acetate.

[0019] Frame

[0020] Made of aluminum, it is designed to ensure robustness and a practical and secure connection to the photovoltaic module.

[0021] Solar photovoltaic energy is one of the easiest renewable energy sources to produce and at the same time one of the least efficient when it comes to converting light into electricity; on average, the efficiency of a photovoltaic panel does not usually exceed 22%.

[0022] Types of coatings for curing photovoltaic panels

[0023] Glass coatings obtained through vacuum deposition processes are used to create thin-film photovoltaic panels. In PECV processes, silicon nitride is used to coat silicon solar cells to create an anti-reflective layer.

[0024] Self-cleaning, dustproof, and anti-reflective coatings to increase the efficiency of a photovoltaic panel from around 2% to around 8%.

[0025] One modality of such coatings is described, for example, in the Chinese patent publication N eCN106519965A, which relates to the 9H nano-ceramic coating. The 9H ceramic paint is prepared from the following ingredients in mass percentage: 40% silicone solution, 40% monosilane, 19.98% titanium white, 0.01% silicone oil, and 0.01% neutralizer. A method for preparing the 9H ceramic paint specifically comprises the following steps: proportionally weighing the raw materials, dispersing the silicon solution and titanium white until the fineness is 10 microns or less, then adding the ingredients, i.e., the monosilane, silicone oil, and neutralizer, to the dispersion and stirring for 6 hours.By adopting the technical scheme of the invention, the 9H ceramic paint has the following beneficial effects: the 9H ceramic paint described by the invention can allow the hardness of a paint film to exceed 9H, has high hardness and is scratch-resistant, fireproof, smokeless, environmentally friendly and pollution-free; Meanwhile, the 9H ceramic paint also has the characteristics of intense colors and a delicate touch feeling with a paint film.

[0026] Another example can be found in Chinese patent N eCN220027463U, relating to a single-syllable nanomethicone coating spraying device for a solar panel, comprising a guide rail, wherein a movable rail is arranged just above the guide rail, and a sliding groove is formed in the center of the side wall of the upper part of the guide rail, a sliding block is connected in the sliding groove in an equidistant sliding manner, the movable rail passes through a movable groove formed in the middle of the side walls of the two sides of the guide rail, a movable block is connected in a sliding rail in this manner, an auxiliary rail is fixedly connected below the movable block, a connecting column is arranged at the bottom of the auxiliary rail, screws are fixedly connected in the middle of the side walls of the two ends of the connecting column, a sleeve is arranged at one end of each screw,A connector is fixedly connected to one end of each sleeve, far from the connecting column. A spray head is evenly connected to the side wall of each connector, opposite the guide rail. The two solar panels can be sprayed simultaneously through the two connectors, effectively improving the processing efficiency of the spray head. The sleeve can be moved via a threaded connection through a limit rod, adjusting the distance between the two connectors. This allows for the use of different sized solar panels and increases the device's flexibility.

[0027] The nano-coating method for photovoltaic panels described reduces operational risks in the intervention of a photovoltaic panel by up to 25%, protects the parts from corrosion, has hydrophobic properties and increases energy production by at least 15%.

[0028] One objective of the present utility model is to improve some of the previously identified needs for protective curing nano-coating for a photovoltaic panel.

[0029] Utility Model Summary

[0030] Aspects of the present utility model can be used to advantageously provide a protective curing nano-coating for a photovoltaic panel.

[0031] The aforementioned objective is achieved by means of a protective curing nano-coating for a photovoltaic panel, as claimed in the accompanying set of claims.

[0032] Nano-coating for photovoltaic panels based on a paint with a nano-coating based on nanoparticles.

[0033] The nano-coating reduces specific heat, absorbing less heat and thus increasing energy efficiency. It reduces operational risks by up to 1 / 4 in solar panel plant interventions.

[0034] Protects exposed parts of the solar panel from the environment and corrosion.

[0035] Easy to clean due to its hydrophobic properties, saving on maintenance resources (water, supplies, manpower).

[0036] Internally, it lowers the specific heat of the solar panel, reducing the temperature curve and improving its performance.

[0037] Increase energy production by at least an additional 15%.

[0038] It increases the lifespan of a solar panel plant project by about 4 to 5 years.

[0039] Field tests certified by Laboratorio Solar, Ñuñoa, Santiago, Chile, which determine a positive effect on the modules, by reducing the variation of their temperature, reducing the stress on the materials and increasing the periods of efficient generation of the solar panels.

[0040] Brief Description of the Figures

[0041] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a photovoltaic panel, according to the present utility model.

[0042] Figure 2 is a schematic flow diagram of a process for preparing the compound for nano-coating, according to the present utility model.

[0043] Figure 3 illustrates a detail of the layers for the formation of a photovoltaic panel, according to the present utility model.

[0044] Figure 4 illustrates a detail of the layers for the formation of a photovoltaic panel and the application of the nano-coating layer on the exposed surface of a photovoltaic panel, according to the present utility model.

[0045] Figure 5 is a perspective view of an arrangement of photovoltaic panels receiving the application of the nano-coating on their surface, according to the present utility model.

[0046] Figure 6 is a perspective view of a set of photovoltaic panels receiving a cleaning process on their surface, according to the present utility model.

[0047] Figure 7 illustrates a view of a test on photovoltaic panels with and without nano-coating, according to the present utility model.

[0048] Detailed Description of the Utility Model

[0049] The present utility model will now be described more fully below with reference to the accompanying figures, which show currently preferred modes of description. However, the present description can be made in many different ways and should not be interpreted as limited to the modes set forth herein; rather, these modes are provided to be thorough and complete, and to fully convey the scope of the description to the knowledgeable recipient. Similar reference characters refer to similar elements throughout.

[0050] As used herein, the statement that two or more parts are "connected" or "coupled" to each other will mean that the parts are joined together directly or joined through one or more intermediate parts.

[0051] Figure 1 illustrates a perspective view of a photovoltaic panel (1), according to the utility model, where a superhydrophobic, self-cleaning and anti-dirt nano-coating (3) has been applied to its surface (2), which increases energy production by a minimum of 15%.

[0052] Figure 2 is a schematic flow diagram of a process for the preparation of compound (4) for a nano-coating (3) based on suspensions of the 9H nano-ceramic coating (5) made by Boluo Huizhou Zhicheng Chemical Co Ltd, 9H nano-ceramic coating (5) to which titanium (6) is incorporated in a mass percentage of 20% within its formulation, T¡02 (6) as the main component of the self-cleaning layers of the nano-coating (3) for a photovoltaic panel (1), T¡02 (6) (derived from titanium (IV) butoxide or titanium (IV) isopropoxide).Where the fine nano-coating (3) made from metal oxides containing photoactive nanoparticulate materials, from titanium TiO2 (6) is able to be sintered after excitation by ultraviolet radiation (7), this sintering process induced by sunlight (8) serves to chemically bond the nanoparticles (9) to each other and to the glazed surface (10) of the photovoltaic solar panel (1), creating a thin film (11) that is durable and resistant to wear and dissolution in the form of liquid glass.

[0053] The nano-coating (3) of the utility model is applied at room temperature.

[0054] In Figure 3, an enlarged schematic detail of the unassembled layers (12) forming a photovoltaic panel (1) can be observed, where first there is a frame of aluminum material (13), downwards (SD) a tempered glass (14), an encapsulating element made for example from EVA (15), solar cells (16), a second encapsulating element of EVA (15), a back cover made from plastic (17) and finally a connection box (18).

[0055] Figure 4 illustrates schematically the photovoltaic panel (1) assembled by means of all the layers (12) previously mentioned, at its upper end (ES) the nano-coating layer (3) already applied on the exposed surface of the tempered glass (14) can be observed.

[0056] In Figure 5, the method of applying the nano-coating compound (4) (3) by an operator (19) to the glazed surface (10) of an array of photovoltaic panels (1) can be observed, by means of spraying (20), where it has been discovered that applying two curing layers (21), both vertically (V), from the upper end (ES) of the photovoltaic panel (1) downwards (SD) towards the lower end (El) of the photovoltaic panel (1) improves the fixation and subsequent curing of the nano-coating (3), compared to applying the nano-coating (3) from the lower end (El) towards the upper end (ES).

[0057] The curing time after application of the nano-coating (3) is five days.

[0058] The applied nano-coating (3) has a thickness of 1 pm, which can be better understood as if it were a liquid glass. When an application is made in the opposite direction, an effect of increased internal refraction of the compound (4) of the nano-coating (3) is obtained, which results in a reduction of the operating temperature of the entire assembly. On the other hand, the increase in internal refraction produces a reuse of the already processed light and finally, the conditions of reduced porosity obtained by means of the application of the compound (4) to the nano-coating (3) generates a direct reduction in the accumulation of soiling (22) within the set of photovoltaic panels (1).

[0059] Figure 6 illustrates an arrangement of photovoltaic panels (1) being subjected to a cleaning process (23) of dust and soiling (22) of the mounted surface (10), by an operator (19). The nano-coating (3) for photovoltaic panels (1) of the description reduces operational risks in the intervention of a photovoltaic panel (1) by up to 25%, protects the parts from corrosion, has hydrophobic properties and increases energy production by a minimum of 15%.

[0060] In Figure 7, a test of variables, temperature and others was carried out, additionally with a thermographic camera (24), in an arrangement of photovoltaic panels (1) with nano-coating (3) and without nano-coating (SR) (right side of Figure 7) to determine the variation in performance in the energy production from photovoltaic panels (1) when applying protective layers of the compound (4) by means of spraying (20) to be incorporated in the nano-coating (3) of the present utility model.

[0061] Prior to the start of the test, constant measurements were made of various photovoltaic panels (1) of the same brand and model, in order to find variations in their efficiency of less than 0.01% in the simultaneous measurement.

[0062] The performance calculation was performed by means of parallel measurements of the Amperage produced by the photovoltaic panel (1), both installed in the same area, inclination in degrees and cleanliness status.

[0063] Condition: Clean

[0064] Inclination: 12.5° Area: Providencia, Santiago, Metropolitan Region

[0065] The modeling was carried out by taking a record of the amperage produced by the photovoltaic panels (1), in parallel and simultaneously with Acortar equipment, which were calibrated and presented the same dispersion or error when recording the information, which are treated by means of the following formula.

[0066] Applied error theory:

[0067]

[0068] A second test was carried out, certified on October 1st in the Villa Alemana area, with a maximum temperature of 17 eCelsius in the shade, of the nano-coating (3) of the utility model. Measurements were carried out for 2 hours and five triplicate measurements were obtained from each test module, one module with the nano-coating (3) and the other photovoltaic panel (1) without nano-coating (SR), both panels of the Jinko Solar brand and 280W STC power. Additionally, an operator (19) carried out five thermographic measurements of each photovoltaic panel (1), with definition of maximum and minimum in each image, using a thermal imaging camera (Fluke) (24).

[0069] Comparison Methodology

[0070] For thermographic measurements, the highest temperature point of the photovoltaic panel (1) is considered, since the thermographic camera (24) always measures the photovoltaic panel (1), making the readings more reliable. Additionally, high temperatures and hot spots are what most affect the photovoltaic panel (1), while low temperatures benefit the voltage of the photovoltaic panel (1) and, consequently, its power generation. For these two reasons, the comparison focuses solely on the maximum points indicated by a thermographic camera (24).

[0071] Field tests showed that the dust and soiling (22) on the glazed surface (10) of the photovoltaic panels (1) were finer than those of the photovoltaic panels (1) without nano-coating (SR).

[0072] Conclusion

[0073] In general, the detailed description of the embodiments of the present technology is not intended to be exhaustive, nor does it limit the utility model to the precise form described above. While the specific embodiments and examples of the present utility model have been described above for illustrative purposes, several equivalent modifications are possible within the scope of the present technology, as those skilled in the relevant art will recognize. For example, while the processes are presented in a specific order, alternative embodiments may perform routines that have stages or employ systems that have processes in a different order, and some processes may be deleted, moved, added, subdivided, combined, and / or modified. Each of these processes can be implemented in various ways.Additionally, although processes or blocks are sometimes shown as if they were performed serially, these processes can, instead, be performed in parallel or can be performed at different times.

[0074] The lessons of this utility model presented here can be applied to other systems, not necessarily to the method described here. The elements and actions of the various modalities described here can be combined to provide other modalities.

[0075] The patents and applications included herein, including those that may appear in the accompanying filing documents, are incorporated by reference. Aspects of this technology may be modified, if necessary, to employ the systems, functions, and concepts of the various references described above to provide other embodiments of this utility model.

[0076] These and other changes can be made to the present utility model in light of the previously detailed description. While the preceding description details certain modalities of the present utility model and describes the best-considered mode, regardless of how detailed the above appears in the text, the present utility model can be implemented in many ways. The details of the present utility model may vary considerably in its implementation, while still remaining encompassed by the utility model described herein. As previously noted, the particular terminology used in describing certain features or aspects of the present utility model should not be interpreted as implying that the terminology is being redefined here to be restricted to any specific feature, enhancement, or aspect of the present utility model with which that terminology is associated.In general, the terms used in the following claims should not be construed as limiting the present utility model to the specific embodiments described in the specification, unless the preceding Detailed Utility Model Description section explicitly defines such terms. Accordingly, the actual scope of the utility model encompasses not only the embodiments described, but also all equivalent ways of putting into practice or implementing the present utility model.

[0077] Reference list

[0078] The bottom end

[0079] It's the upper extreme

[0080] SD downward direction

[0081] SR without nano-coating

[0082] 1 photovoltaic panel

[0083] 2 surface

[0084] 3 nano-coating

[0085] 4 compound

[0086] 5 nano-ceramic coating 9H

[0087] 6 titanium dioxide T102

[0088] 7 ultraviolet radiation

[0089] 8 sunlight

[0090] 9 nanoparticles glazed surface

[0091] thin film

[0092] layers

[0093] aluminum frame

[0094] tempered glass

[0095] EVA material

[0096] solar cells

[0097] rear plastic cover

[0098] junction box

[0099] operator

[0100] spraying medium

[0101] curing layers

[0102] soiling accumulation cleaning process

[0103] thermal imaging camera (Fluke)

Claims

CLAIMS 1. A method for preparing a protective curing nano-coating (3) for a photovoltaic panel (1) that contributes to improving the effectiveness of said photovoltaic panels (1) by decreasing the specific heat, reducing temperature variation, absorbing less heat, and thus increasing energy efficiency and additionally reducing operational risks by up to 25% in interventions at the photovoltaic panel plant (1), CHARACTERIZED in that it comprises a photovoltaic panel (1), to which a nano-coating (3) has been applied on its surface (2), based on the 9H nano-ceramic coating (5) obtained from Boluo Huizhou Zhicheng Chemical Co Ltd, to which titanium dioxide TiO2 (6) is incorporated in a mass percentage of 20% within its formulation, as the main component of the self-cleaning layers of the nano-coating (3) for a photovoltaic panel (1),T102 (6) (derived from titanium (IV) butoxide or titanium (IV) isopropoxide), wherein the fine nano-coating (3) made from metal oxides containing photoactive nanoparticulate materials, from titanium T102 (6) is capable of sintering after excitation by ultraviolet radiation (7), this sintering process induced by sunlight (8) serves to chemically bond the nanoparticles (9) to each other and to a glazed surface (10) of the photovoltaic solar panel (1), creating a thin film (11) that is durable and resistant to wear and dissolution, acting as a liquid glass.

2. The method according to claim 1 CHARACTERIZED in that the nano-coating (3) of the utility model is applied at room temperature.

3. The method according to claim 2 CHARACTERIZED in that the assembly of a photovoltaic panel without nano-coating (SR) is formed by a frame of aluminum material (13), in the downward direction (SD) a tempered glass (14), an encapsulating element made for example from EVA (15), solar cells (16), a second encapsulating element of EVA (15), a back cover made from plastic (17) and finally a connection box (18).

4. The method according to claim 3 CHARACTERIZED in that the assembly of a photovoltaic panel with nano-coating (3) is by means of all the layers (12) previously mentioned, wherein at its upper end (ES) the nano-coating layer (3) already applied on the exposed surface of the tempered glass (14) can be observed.

5. The method according to claim 4 CHARACTERIZED in that the application of the nano-coating compound (4) (3) is carried out by an operator (19) on the glazed surface (10) of an arrangement of photovoltaic panels (1), by means of spraying (20), wherein it has been discovered that applying two curing layers (21), both in a vertical direction (V), from the upper end (ES) of the photovoltaic panel (1) downwards (SD) towards the lower end (El) of the photovoltaic panel (1) improves the fixation and subsequent curing of the nano-coating (3), which is better than applying the nano-coating (3) from the lower end (El) towards the upper end (ES).

6. The method according to claim 5 CHARACTERIZED in that the curing time, after the application of the nano-coating (3) is five days.

7. The method according to claim 6 CHARACTERIZED in that the applied nano-coating (3) has a thickness of 1 pm, where at the time of making an application in the opposite direction an effect of increased internal refraction of the compound (4) of the nano-coating (3) is obtained, which results in a reduction of the operating temperature in its entirety, on the other hand, the increase in internal refraction produces a reuse of already processed light and finally, the conditions of reduced porosity obtained by means of the application of the compound (4) to the nano-coating (3) generates a direct reduction in the accumulation of soiling (22) within the set of photovoltaic panels (1).

8. The method according to claim 7 CHARACTERIZED in that a test of variables, temperature and others, additionally with a thermographic camera (24), in an arrangement of photovoltaic panels (1) with nano-coating (3) and without nano-coating (SR) was carried out to determine the variation in performance in the energy production from photovoltaic panels (1) when applying protective layers of the compound (4) by means of spraying (20) to be incorporated in the nano-coating (3) of the present utility model.

9. The method according to claim 8 CHARACTERIZED in that the field test showed that the dust and soiling (22) of the installed surface (10), on the nano-coating (3) of the photovoltaic panels (1) were finer than those of the photovoltaic panels (1) without nano-coating (SR), it was possible to decrease the specific heat, reducing the temperature variation, absorbing less heat and thus increasing energy efficiency and additionally reducing operational risks by up to 25% in intervention of the photovoltaic panel plant (1).

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