Floating PV Frame With Optical Electrode for Corrosion Protection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Water solar power generation facilities face challenges with frame corrosion due to exposure to falling water, moisture, and salts, which can lead to system failure and damage to aquatic ecosystems.
Innovation Solution
An eco-friendly water solar power generation system that incorporates a solar cell plate, a frame, and an optical electrode module. The optical electrode module, made of materials with a standard hydrogen electrode potential larger than 1.23 eV, acts as a positive electrode, causing water decomposition and generating oxygen while preventing frame corrosion by moving electrons to the frame.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If water solar power generation facilities are installed on water surface, then land use constraints are reduced and sunshine availability is improved, but frame corrosion rate increases due to exposure to falling water, moisture, and salts
Solution Approach 1:
An optical electrode is introduced as an intermediary component between the solar cell plate and the frame. This optical electrode serves dual functions: it generates oxygen through water decomposition to protect the aquatic ecosystem, and it prevents frame corrosion by creating a protective electrochemical environment. The optical electrode acts as a mediator that converts solar energy into chemical energy (oxygen) while simultaneously protecting the structural integrity of the frame.
Solution Approach 2:
The optical electrode performs multiple functions simultaneously: (1) it serves as a positive electrode for water decomposition to generate oxygen, (2) it protects the frame from corrosion through electrochemical protection, and (3) it supports the solar cell plate structure. This multi-functionality resolves the contradiction by adding a component that addresses the corrosion issue while maintaining the benefits of water-based installation.
2Reliability
If solar panels are installed on land, then frame corrosion is reduced, but land purchasing costs and ecological impact increase
Solution Approach 1:
The optical electrode serves as an intermediary that enables water-based installation by actively protecting against corrosion. Without this intermediary, water-based installation would result in rapid frame degradation. The optical electrode makes the water environment suitable for solar panel installation by continuously generating oxygen and creating a protective electrochemical environment, thereby eliminating the need for land while maintaining frame integrity.
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 effectively prevents frame corrosion and generates oxygen, thereby protecting the aquatic ecosystem and enhancing eco-friendly performance by utilizing the dual functions of water decomposition and corrosion prevention.
Implementation Method 1
causes water decomposition while contacting water to generate oxygen in the water
Implementation Method 2
by moving electrons generated at the time to the water decomposition by the optical electrode to the frame, corrosion of the frame may be prevented
Implementation Method 3
a solar cell plate
Data Source
AI summary
There is provided a water solar power generation system including: a solar cell plate; a frame supporting the solar cell frame; and a float installed in the frame and positioning the solar cell plate on the surface of the water while floating on the surface of the water. The frame becomes a negative electrode and an optical electrode which becomes a positive electrode, and is electrically connected to the frame, and causes water decomposition while contacting water in the water to generate oxygen in the water.