Solar energy collection panel cleaning system
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Solution Overview
Problem
Solar energy collection panels face efficiency reduction due to dirt, dust, sand, and precipitation accumulation, which existing methods fail to address effectively and efficiently, impacting energy output over time.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a solar panel, fluid reservoirs, a dispenser mechanism for pressurized fluid, and a control system that initiates cleaning based on detected conditions, using various fluids like gas and liquids, with optional recycling and heating, to restore panel surface integrity and maximize energy capture.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If manual cleaning methods are used, then cleaning can be performed, but labor costs and time consumption increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables self-service cleaning through automated sensors that detect dirt accumulation on solar panels and trigger the cleaning mechanism automatically, eliminating the need for manual intervention and reducing both labor costs and time consumption while maintaining high cleaning efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical cleaning with an automated system that uses sensors to detect panel conditions and triggers fluid dispensing mechanisms, substituting human labor with automated mechanical and sensor-based systems to improve productivity and reduce time loss
2Reliability
If cleaning is performed frequently, then panel efficiency is maintained, but water and energy consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses sensors to continuously monitor panel conditions and provides feedback to the control mechanism, which activates cleaning only when dirt accumulation reaches a threshold that would impact efficiency, thereby maintaining panel reliability while minimizing unnecessary water and energy consumption
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of continuous or fixed-schedule cleaning, the system implements periodic action by activating cleaning only when sensor detection indicates it is necessary, optimizing the balance between maintaining panel efficiency and reducing resource consumption
3Object-generated harmful factors
If high pressure fluid is used for cleaning, then dirt removal is effective, but risk of panel damage increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system changes the parameter of fluid pressure by using low-pressure fluid dispensing instead of high-pressure washing, effectively removing dirt accumulation through chemical cleaners and gentle fluid flow while minimizing the risk of damage to panel integrity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces chemical cleaners as an intermediary substance between the fluid and the dirt on the panels, allowing effective dirt removal through chemical action rather than relying on high mechanical pressure, thereby protecting panel strength while achieving cleaning objectives
4Manufacturing precision
If cleaning fluid is applied continuously, then cleaning coverage is complete, but fluid consumption and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies cleaning fluid periodically based on sensor detection of dirt accumulation levels, activating the dispensing mechanism only when and where needed, thereby achieving complete cleaning coverage on affected areas while minimizing overall fluid consumption and cost
Solution Approach 2:
The cleaning system applies fluid locally to specific areas of the panels that require cleaning, as determined by sensor detection, rather than applying fluid continuously across the entire surface, optimizing cleaning coverage while reducing fluid consumption
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 efficiently and periodically cleans solar panels, reducing energy loss by removing atmospheric deposits, maintaining panel efficiency and extending the lifespan of solar energy collection systems.
Implementation Method 1
a fluid dispenser at a first side of a solar panel... a mechanism for dispensing the fluid from the dispenser
Implementation Method 2
The fluid(s) may include a gas and/or one or more liquids... to restore panel surface integrity
Implementation Method 3
a fluid collector may be provided at a second side of a solar panel and utilized to collect at least some of the fluid which may then be directed
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus, method and system for cleaning a solar panel includes a solar panel, one or more fluid reservoirs, a fluid dispenser at a first side of a solar panel, a mechanism for providing pressurized fluid to the fluid dispenser from the fluid reservoir(s), and a mechanism for dispensing the fluid from the dispenser. The solar panel is periodically cleaned and the motivation for cleaning may be a detected output condition of the panel, a detected weather condition, an expired time condition, detected precipitant accumulation, a manual command, or the like. The fluid(s) may include a gas and/or one or more liquids. A heater may be provided to heat the fluid(s).