Cleaning method for solar panels
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for cleaning solar panels, such as using water or electrostatic fields, are inefficient and impractical for removing snow, ice, or dust, especially when accumulation is variable or irregular, leading to reduced solar power generation.
Innovation Solution
A method utilizing heated and electromagnetic/electrostatic cleaning devices, controlled by sensors to selectively activate cleaning devices based on obstruction location, size, and type, allowing incremental and sequential cleaning powered by the cleaned solar panels, reducing power consumption and cost.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If water is used to clean solar panels, then dust is removed effectively, but the method is not practical for snow/ice removal and desert installations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs multiple cleaning mechanisms (electrostatic fields for dust, heated elements for snow/ice) within a single cleaning device, enabling the system to handle various obstruction types (dust, snow, ice) with one unified apparatus, thus achieving versatility across different environmental conditions
Solution Approach 2:
The cleaning device changes its operational parameters based on the type of obstruction detected. Heated elements are activated for snow/ice removal while electrostatic fields are used for dust, allowing the system to adapt its cleaning approach to match the specific environmental conditions and obstruction type
2Ease of manufacture
If electrostatic fields are used to repel dust, then dust removal is achieved, but the method is ineffective for snow and ice removal
Solution Approach 1:
The cleaning device integrates both electrostatic field generation and heated element capabilities into a single system, allowing it to perform dust repulsion and snow/ice melting functions with one unified apparatus, thereby achieving multi-functionality without requiring separate cleaning systems
3Productivity
If all cleaning devices in the array are activated simultaneously, then complete cleaning is achieved, but power consumption becomes excessive
Solution Approach 1:
The solar panel array is divided into multiple sections, and cleaning devices are activated in sequential groups rather than all at once. This segmentation of the cleaning process allows the system to maintain cleaning effectiveness while reducing peak power consumption by processing sections incrementally
Solution Approach 2:
The cleaning devices operate in periodic cycles, activating a first group of cleaning devices for a first set of sections, then activating a second group for a second set of sections. This periodic activation pattern ensures complete cleaning coverage while managing power consumption through time-distributed operation
4Use of energy by moving object
If cleaning devices are activated incrementally and sequentially, then power consumption is reduced, but cleaning time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements periodic activation of cleaning device groups, where first and second groups are activated in sequence for different sections. This periodic approach balances power consumption management with efficient cleaning progression, preventing excessive cleaning time by maintaining continuous operation across sections
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This method efficiently and cost-effectively removes obstructions from solar panels by using the generated power to activate cleaning devices incrementally, optimizing energy use and reducing overall cleaning costs, thereby improving solar panel performance.
Implementation Method 1
The present invention removes snow, ice, or dust from obstructed solar panels by using either heated cleaning devices
Implementation Method 2
Other approaches have used electrostatic fields to repel dust
Data Source
AI summary
A method for cleaning solar panels when snow, ice, or dust accumulates on the solar panels to reduce or eliminate the electrical power output from the solar panels. The method of cleaning includes selecting specific cleaning locations, on the array of solar panels, based primarily upon obstruction location and obstruction size differences. The method of cleaning also includes the incremental and sequential selection of the cleaning locations, and the incremental and sequential activation of cleaning devices within the selected cleaning locations. Additional groups of incrementally and sequentially activated cleaning devices may be powered, in whole or in part, by the prior solar panels that have been cleaned.