Siphon-Based Drainage Clip for Solar Panel Frame Water Accumulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current solar panel frames lead to water accumulation on the top surface due to a protruding edge, reducing power generation efficiency and potentially damaging the panels over time, and existing drainage solutions are either limited to specific installations or fail to address uneven water distribution.
Innovation Solution
A drainage clip with adjustable jaws that form a siphon-like drainage path around the frame's protruding edge, utilizing capillary action and gravity to direct water away from the top surface, compatible with various solar panel sizes and frames, and can be retrofitted to existing installations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a circumferential frame is provided around the solar panel to protect the solar cells, then the structural strength and protection of the solar panel is improved, but water accumulation occurs on the top surface behind the protruding edge of the frame
Solution Approach 1:
The drainage function is segmented from the protective frame structure. A separate drainage clip with channel is provided that attaches to the frame's outer surface, creating a dedicated water removal pathway without modifying the frame's primary protective function. This segmentation allows both protection and drainage to coexist independently.
Solution Approach 2:
The drainage clip acts as an intermediary element between the frame and the accumulated water. It provides a channel that intercepts water behind the frame's protruding edge and directs it away from the solar panel surface, mediating the interaction between the frame structure and water accumulation.
2Ease of operation
If the solar panel is mounted in an inclined position to facilitate water runoff, then the ease of installation and water drainage is improved, but water still accumulates behind the protruding edge of the frame at the lower end
Solution Approach 1:
The drainage channel is positioned locally at the lower end of the solar panel where water accumulation occurs most. The channel's location and orientation are specifically designed to address the local water accumulation problem behind the frame's protruding edge, providing targeted drainage where it is most needed.
3Productivity
If a fixed drainage channel is provided on the solar panel frame, then the water drainage function is improved, but the drainage effectiveness is reduced when the solar panel bends or has uneven water distribution
Solution Approach 1:
The drainage clip is designed to be adjustable in position along the frame rather than being fixed. This dynamic positioning capability allows the channel to be relocated to match the actual water accumulation patterns, which may change due to panel bending, installation angle, or environmental conditions, thereby maintaining drainage effectiveness under varying conditions.
4Power
If accumulated water and dirt remain on the top surface of the solar panel, then the power generation capability is reduced, but existing frames cannot be easily modified to prevent this accumulation
Solution Approach 1:
The drainage solution is segmented as a separate attachable component rather than being integrated into the frame manufacturing process. This allows the drainage clip to be added to existing frames without requiring frame modification, preserving both the protective function of the original frame and enabling water drainage to protect power generation capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The drainage clip is designed to be installed preliminarily on existing frames to prevent water accumulation before it causes damage. By providing the drainage function in advance through an attachable component, the system protects power generation capability without requiring retrospective frame modification.
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
Effectively drains water from the top surface of solar panels, enhancing power output, reducing the need for frequent cleaning, and extending the service life by preventing moss and algae growth, while being adaptable to different panel types and sizes.
Implementation Method 1
utilizing capillary action and gravity to direct water away from the top surface
Implementation Method 2
utilizing capillary action and gravity to direct water away from the top surface
Data Source
Figure 1A~1B
Figure 2A~2B
Figure 2C~3A
AI summary
A drainage clip (301) for draining water accumulating above a protruding portion of a circumferential frame of solar panel is provided. The drainage clip comprises two jaws (311, 312), each provided with a contact surface (344, 354) for engaging the solar panel, and a height-adjustability feature (363) for adjusting the distance between the two contact surfaces. After attaching the drainage clip to the solar panel, the drainage clip functions as a siphon and forms a drainage path (315) to drain water from the top surface of the solar panel. The drainage path comprises at least a section where the water flows upward to pass the protruding portion. The invention further relates to a solar panel installation comprising solar panels with drainage clips.