PV Soiling Measurement Jig with Sequential Stations
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for measuring the effect of soiling on photovoltaic devices are prone to high uncertainty due to inherent differences between PV devices, leading to significant measurement errors and impracticality for long-term monitoring, especially in dust-intensive environments.
Innovation Solution
A device and method utilizing a test jig with multiple measurement stations to measure a PV device under three conditions: direct exposure, clean transparent cover, and soiled transparent cover, calculating a Soiling Ratio to accurately quantify performance loss from soiling, allowing for practical in-field monitoring and evaluation of anti-soiling solutions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If two PV devices are used to measure soiling loss by comparing power output, then direct measurement of power loss is achieved, but measurement uncertainty increases due to intrinsic differences between devices
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the reference measurement and test measurement into a single PV device by implementing multiple measurement stations (clean station, soiled station, reference station) that can sequentially measure the same device under different conditions. This eliminates the need for comparing two separate PV devices and their inherent differences, directly resolving the contradiction between direct measurement capability and measurement reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces dynamic switching between different measurement stations (clean, soiled, reference) on a single PV device. The device can be rapidly transported between stations to perform sequential measurements, allowing the same device to experience different conditions (clean/soiled surfaces) while maintaining measurement consistency through the use of identical device characteristics.
2Measurement precision
If intensive periodic in-lab PV assessment is performed to accommodate device differences, then measurement accuracy improves, but practicality for long-term monitoring deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs self-assessment by using the same PV device as both the test subject and the reference standard. The device measures itself under different conditions (clean and soiled) through the multiple stations, eliminating the need for external periodic in-lab assessments. This self-service approach maintains high measurement accuracy while enabling continuous long-term monitoring in the field.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the reference measurement function from a separate reference PV device and integrates it into the same device structure through the reference measurement station. This allows the system to obtain reference data from the identical device under clean conditions, removing the need for separate reference devices and intensive periodic assessments.
3Reliability
If a single PV device is used with multiple measurement stations, then measurement uncertainty is minimized, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the measurement system into distinct functional stations (clean station, soiled station, reference station) that can be spatially separated but temporally integrated through rapid device transport. This segmentation allows each station to have a specialized function while using the same PV device, maintaining measurement reliability without requiring a single complex integrated system.
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 approach minimizes uncertainties by using a single PV device and provides a reliable, low-cost, and practical method for monitoring soiling effects, optimizing cleaning cycles and energy production, and evaluating the effectiveness of anti-soiling coatings.
Implementation Method 1
One form of energy generation is the conversion of sunlight to electricity using a photovoltaic (PV) module that consists of electrically connected solar cells
Data Source
AI summary
The device and method for measuring the effect of soiling on a photovoltaic device includes a device in which a photovoltaic device (reference solar cell, solar cells, PV module, etc.) may be shifted between partially and fully enclosed compartments in quick succession for measurements of the same device (1) when directly exposed to illumination or solar radiation; (2) when placed under a glass or transparent cover maintained cleared or cleaned of soil; and (3) when placed under glass or transparent cover left exposed to natural outdoor soiling, or attenuated using simulated soil that is not periodically cleaned. The measurements may be of short circuit current (Isc), maximum power (Pmax), or other electrical parameter conventionally used to evaluate performance of the photovoltaic device. A soiling ratio calculated as:SRPmax=1-Pmax2-Pmax3Pmax1or calculated as:SRIsc=1-Isc2-Isc3Isc1may be used to compare or monitor performance of the photovoltaic device between measurement cycles.