Solar Module Frame Notch for Surface Drainage and Soiling Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Solar cell modules face reduced electrical output due to liquid accumulation on the light receiving surface, which leads to dust and dirt deposition, as existing drainage solutions are insufficient, especially in inclined arrays where water flows from upper to lower modules, soiling the bottom rows and degrading overall performance.
Innovation Solution
A solar cell module design featuring a module frame with a notch that extends from the inner part to the exterior, having a draw part with a smaller width than the end portion, ensuring efficient liquid discharge and reducing dirt accumulation, along with protruding portions for cushioning and improved drainage between adjacent modules.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a notch is provided on the upper surface portion of the module frame to improve drainage, then liquid discharge is improved, but liquid still accumulates on the light receiving surface causing dust deposition and output reduction
Solution Approach 1:
The notch is designed with asymmetric width variation, being wider at the light receiving surface side and narrower at the exterior side surface side. This asymmetric configuration creates a draw part that effectively guides liquid from the light receiving surface toward the exterior, improving drainage while preventing liquid accumulation that would otherwise block sunlight and reduce electrical output
2Area of stationary object
If solar cell modules are arranged inclined in multiple rows without gaps to form a solar cell array, then space utilization is improved, but liquid from upper modules flows down to lower modules causing severe soiling of bottom rows
Solution Approach 1:
The notch structure extracts liquid from the light receiving surface and redirects it to the exterior side surface, removing the harmful liquid before it can flow down to lower modules. By providing this dedicated liquid extraction path, the invention prevents liquid accumulation and subsequent dust deposition on bottom-row modules while maintaining the compact inclined array configuration
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 notch design enhances liquid discharge and reduces dirt accumulation on the solar cell module, maintaining higher power output by preventing liquid from remaining on the surface, and the protruding portions facilitate easier installation and improved drainage in arrays, minimizing soiling and enhancing efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
the notch has a draw part with smallest width at an inner part rather than at the end portion, thereby the liquid existing on the light receiving surface of the solar cell module is smoothly moved and discharged to the outside of the solar cell module by passing though the draw part of the notch
Data Source
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AI summary
A reliable solar cell module is provided whereby the liquid is less likely to stay thereon, thus dirt is less likely to occur on the light receiving surface of the solar cell module even in a prolonged use. A solar cell module comprising a solar cell panel P configured by arranging a solar cell element between a light receiving surface side member and a rear surface side member, and a module frame W1 fixed to the solar cell panel P surrounds the solar cell panel P with its interior surface being abutted with an external peripheral part of the light receiving surface side member is provided. In this solar cell module, the module frame W1 has a notch 27 that extends from its inner part towards its external part in plan view from a side of the light receiving surface side member and is provided with an end portion 5 on an exterior side surface of the frame member, and this notch 27 has a draw part 4 with smallest width at an inner part rather than at the end portion 5.