Debris Removal Wing for Solar Modules

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Solution Overview

Problem

Solar modules in solar arrays experience reduced efficiency and revenue due to debris such as snow, sand, and dust, which existing technologies fail to address effectively, particularly in efficiently removing debris without damaging the modules.

Innovation Solution

A debris removal system comprising a debris removal wing with a body that directs pressurized air across solar modules, supported by a vehicle, which advances along the array, using a combination of air outlets, extending members, and a flap to hover and clear debris, minimizing contact with the modules and preventing blowback.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If manual or traditional cleaning methods are used, then debris can be removed from solar modules, but the cleaning process may damage the modules and is inefficient for large arrays

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedebris removal efficiencyVSAvoidmodule damage risk

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses pressurized air delivered through a hose to blow debris off solar modules. The pneumatic system allows remote cleaning without physical contact, eliminating the risk of mechanical damage while efficiently removing debris from large arrays. The air blast is directed through a tube positioned close to the module surface, providing effective cleaning without requiring manual handling.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #29Pneumatics and hydraulics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces traditional mechanical cleaning methods (manual scraping, brushing, or robotic arms) with a pneumatic air blast system. This substitution eliminates direct mechanical contact with the solar modules, preventing damage while maintaining effective debris removal capability across large array areas.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Productivity

If a vehicle-mounted system is used to cover large solar arrays, then cleaning productivity increases, but the system complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecleaning coverage areaVSAvoidsystem structure

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent integrates multiple functions into a single vehicle-mounted platform: the vehicle provides mobility across the array, the air compressor generates pressurized air, the hose and nozzle system delivers the air blast, and the support arm positions the cleaning head. This multi-functional integration achieves large-area cleaning capability without requiring separate systems for each function, managing complexity through consolidation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses a flexible hose as an intermediary to transmit pressurized air from the vehicle-mounted compressor to the cleaning location. This intermediary allows the air delivery point to be positioned close to the module surface while the compressor remains on the vehicle, enabling large coverage area without requiring the entire system to be at the cleaning point.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Productivity

If pressurized air is directed close to the module surface, then debris removal effectiveness increases, but the risk of damaging the module from high-pressure contact increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedebris displacement efficiencyVSAvoidmodule surface integrity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses a narrow tube or nozzle as an intermediary to deliver the air blast. This focused delivery mechanism concentrates the pressurized air into a directed stream that can effectively displace debris at close range while the tubular structure itself protects the module surface from direct high-pressure impact, distributing the force along the tube wall rather than concentrating it on a single point.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 system efficiently removes debris from solar modules, maintaining module integrity and reducing operational costs by using pressurized air to displace and direct debris away, allowing for timely and effective cleaning of large solar arrays.

Implementation Method 1

directs a flow of pressurized air across a plurality of solar modules thereby removing debris from the solar modules

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFluid flow:

Implementation Method 2

direct a second portion of the pressurized air toward the operating surface of the target solar module to at least partly hover the debris removal wing proximate the target solar module

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAir pressure: Pressure Increase

Data Source

PatentUS10797637B2System and method for debris removal

Publication Date: 2020.10.06 SNOLAR TECH LTD

AI summary

A system and method for removing debris from solar modules in a solar module array. The system includes an air supply for providing pressurized air to a debris removal wing, a support art configured to support the debris removal wing proximate a solar module, and a support base fixing the support arm to a vehicle, the vehicle operable to advance the debris removal wing along the solar module array. The debris removal wing includes a first air outlet for directed pressurized air to remove debris from the solar modules. The debris removal wing may include a second air outlet for directing pressurized air to at least partly hovering the debris removal wing proximate the solar modules.