Pneumatic PV Panel Cleaning Without Liquids or Rotating Parts
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional PV panel cleaning methods are energy intensive, inefficient, environmentally detrimental, and labor-intensive, and often void warranties by using liquids like water, which can freeze and damage components.
Innovation Solution
A PV panel cleaning system utilizing pressurized air-operated actuators and a panel-cleaning device with nozzles and a wiper blade, controlled by sensors and a programmable controller, that cleans PV panels without rotating parts or liquids, allowing the panels to generate additional electrical energy to operate the system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional cleaning methods using liquids (water, detergent) are employed, then cleaning effectiveness is improved, but energy consumption increases and environmental harm occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces liquid-based mechanical cleaning systems with a pneumatic system using compressed air. The compressed air is directed through nozzles onto the PV panel surface, utilizing aerodynamic forces to dislodge and remove debris without requiring water or detergent, thereby eliminating the energy consumption and environmental harm associated with liquid-based cleaning methods
Solution Approach 2:
The invention employs pneumatic principles by using compressed air stored in a tank to power the cleaning mechanism. The high-pressure air stream is directed at the PV panels to blow away dust and debris, replacing the need for liquid-based cleaning systems and reducing both energy consumption and environmental impact
2Reliability
If manual cleaning approaches are used, then cleaning effectiveness is improved, but labor intensity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system is designed to operate autonomously without human intervention. The compressed air tank automatically dispenses air through the nozzle system to clean the PV panels, and the carriage mechanism self-propels along the panels using the pneumatic drive system, eliminating the need for manual labor while maintaining cleaning effectiveness
3Reliability
If rotating parts are included in the cleaning device, then cleaning capability is improved, but maintenance requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent explicitly removes rotating parts from the cleaning device design. Instead of using rotating brushes or wheels to clean the panels, the invention uses a stationary nozzle system that directs compressed air onto the panel surface. This extraction of rotating components eliminates the associated maintenance requirements while preserving cleaning capability through the pneumatic blow-off mechanism
4Reliability
If liquids are used for cleaning, then cleaning effectiveness is improved, but warranty protection is compromised due to freezing and component damage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent substitutes liquid-based cleaning mechanisms with a pneumatic system using compressed air. By directing high-velocity air streams onto the PV panels, the system achieves effective cleaning without introducing water or other liquids that could freeze and cause damage, thereby maintaining warranty protection while preserving cleaning effectiveness
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 achieves a net energy gain by generating additional electrical energy while cleaning, is low maintenance, and does not require human involvement, maintaining panel warranties by avoiding liquid use.
Implementation Method 1
a storage tank containing pressurized air, first and second linear actuators, and a panel-cleaning device wherein the pressurized air contained in the storage tank operates the first and second actuators
Implementation Method 2
the panel-cleaning device includes one or more nozzles and a wiper blade to clean PV panels
Implementation Method 3
Photovoltaic solar panels use sunlight as a source of energy to generate electricity
Data Source
AI summary
In accordance with the present invention, a panel cleaning method is provided. In one aspect, the panel cleaning system includes a storage tank containing pressurized air, first and second linear actuators, and a panel-cleaning device wherein the pressurized air contained in the storage tank operates the first and second actuators and the panel-cleaning device to clean PV panels. A further aspect includes sensors associated with the first and second actuators and panel-cleaning device and configured to scan and detect fluid and debris on the PV panels to be removed. Another aspect provides sensors associated with a panel cleaning system and a programmable controller or processor configured to execute instructions stored in a nontransitory computer-readable medium.