Maintaining a solar power module

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Solution Overview

Problem

Solar power systems, particularly photovoltaic systems, face efficiency reduction due to high temperatures and atmospheric particles like dust, which are prevalent in sunny climates, leading to decreased power output.

Innovation Solution

A solar power system with a spherical frame and a hemispherical reservoir for cleaning solution, where the frame can be rotated to immerse solar power cells in a cleaning solution for dust removal and use a magneto-caloric pump mechanism with magnetized fluid for cooling, providing a heat transfer mechanism to reduce surface temperature.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Power

If solar power systems operate in sunny climates with high daytime temperatures and atmospheric particles, then power output increases due to increased solar radiation, but efficiency decreases due to high temperature and dust accumulation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower outputVSAvoidefficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

PowerVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses the solar radiation that generates power to drive the cleaning mechanism. The solar-powered pump circulates cleaning solution through nozzles that automatically clean the PV modules, allowing the system to maintain its own efficiency without external intervention. This resolves the contradiction by enabling the system to self-maintain performance in sunny climates.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The cleaning system operates continuously or periodically to maintain optimal surface conditions on PV modules. By ensuring continuous cleaning action, the system prevents efficiency degradation from dust accumulation, allowing sustained high power output in sunny environments where dust buildup would normally occur.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

2Object-affected harmful factors

If traditional cleaning methods are used for solar panels, then dust removal effectiveness improves, but system complexity and maintenance requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedust removal effectivenessVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The circulating cleaning solution serves multiple functions: it cleans PV modules through spray nozzles, cools the modules by removing heat, and can be filtered and reused. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate cleaning and cooling systems, thereby reducing overall system complexity while maintaining effective dust removal.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses a solar-powered hydraulic pump to circulate cleaning solution through a network of conduits and spray nozzles. This hydraulic approach provides effective dust removal through controlled fluid delivery, while the solar-powered operation minimizes additional mechanical complexity compared to grid-powered or manual cleaning systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #29Pneumatics and hydraulics

3Object-affected harmful factors

If PV modules are cleaned by rotating the spherical frame, then cleaning coverage improves, but mechanical wear and maintenance needs increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecleaning coverageVSAvoidmaintenance needs

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSEase of repair

Solution Approach 1:

The spherical frame design allows PV modules to be positioned at various angles relative to the cleaning solution spray nozzles. By rotating the spherical frame, the system achieves comprehensive cleaning coverage of all module surfaces. The spherical geometry distributes mechanical stress evenly, reducing wear on specific components and extending maintenance intervals.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

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 system enhances efficiency by facilitating in-situ cleaning with minimal disassembly, maintaining high power output, and utilizing a low-energy cooling method that requires little maintenance, effectively addressing the issues of dust and heat in sunny environments.

Implementation Method 1

use a magneto-caloric pump mechanism with magnetized fluid for cooling, providing a heat transfer mechanism to reduce surface temperature

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMagneto-caloric effect: Magnetocaloric Effect

Implementation Method 2

rotating the spherical frame to move the plurality of solar power cells into a volume of a hemispherical reservoir that is mounted to the spherical frame; rotating the spherical frame to move the plurality of solar power cells into a solar cell cleaning solution fluid enclosed within the volume of the hemispherical reservoir

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFluid spray cleaning: Fluid Spray

Data Source

PatentUS10658970B2Maintaining a solar power module

Publication Date: 2020.05.19 SAUDI ARABIAN OIL CO

AI summary

A method for cleaning a solar power system includes operating a solar power system that comprises a plurality of solar power cells mounted on a spherical frame; rotating the spherical frame to move the plurality of solar power cells into a volume of a hemispherical reservoir that is mounted to the spherical frame; rotating the spherical frame to move the plurality of solar power cells into a solar cell cleaning solution fluid enclosed within the volume of the hemispherical reservoir defined between an interior surface of the reservoir and the spherical frame; and removing, with the solar cell cleaning solution, a plurality of particulates attached to the plurality of solar power cells.