Collagen Hydrolysate Coating for Solar Module Glass to Reduce Soiling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Dirt accumulation on the glass surface of solar modules and collectors reduces efficiency and increases cleaning costs, especially in high solar irradiance regions, necessitating frequent and resource-intensive cleaning.
Innovation Solution
Applying an aqueous solution of collagen hydrolysate to the glass pane, which forms a protective layer that reduces dirt deposition and facilitates cleaning, maintaining efficiency without impairing light transmission.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If solar modules are cleaned frequently to maintain efficiency, then soiling is reduced, but water consumption and operating costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies a hydrophilic coating to the glass pane before soiling occurs, creating a surface that prevents dirt accumulation. This preliminary protective action eliminates the need for frequent cleaning operations, thereby reducing water consumption while maintaining solar module efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The hydrophilic coating enables the glass surface to repel dirt particles automatically through its surface properties, making the system self-cleaning to an extent. This reduces the need for external cleaning interventions and associated water usage.
2Productivity
If solar modules are cleaned frequently to maintain efficiency, then soiling is reduced, but operating costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
By applying the hydrophilic coating in advance, the system prevents dirt accumulation that would otherwise require costly cleaning operations. This preliminary protective measure reduces operating costs while maintaining productivity.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If a protective coating is applied to the glass pane, then dirt deposition is reduced, but light transmission may be impaired
Solution Approach 1:
The patent carefully selects and optimizes the parameters of the hydrophilic coating, including its composition, thickness, and surface properties, to achieve the right balance between dirt repellency and light transmission. By adjusting these parameters, the coating provides protection without significantly impairing the passage of sunlight to the photovoltaic cells.
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
The collagen hydrolysate layer effectively minimizes soiling, reducing cleaning frequency and intensity while preserving solar module efficiency, particularly in transparent modules used as window glazing.
Implementation Method 1
Applying an aqueous solution of collagen hydrolysate to the glass plate; and allowing the aqueous solution to dry
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A~2B
Figure 3A~3B
AI summary
The present invention relates to a method for increasing the efficiency of a solar module or a solar collector, the solar module or the solar collector having a glass pane on the side facing towards the sun. The method comprises the steps of applying an aqueous solution of collagen hydrolysate to the glass pane and leaving the aqueous solution to dry.