Solar Cell Module Exposed Side Design for Dust Drainage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Solar cell modules face reduced power generation efficiency due to soiling from sand and dust accumulation on their light-receiving surfaces, which existing technologies have not adequately addressed.
Innovation Solution
The design features an inclined roof configuration for solar cell modules where at least one side of the solar cell panel is exposed, allowing rainwater to drain and reducing the adherence of sand and dust, with a protecting member that covers only certain sides while leaving others exposed to facilitate drainage and prevent soiling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the light receiving surface is completely covered by a protecting member, then the solar cell module is well protected from external damage, but sand and dust accumulate on the surface reducing power generation efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the protecting member from completely covering the solar cell panel, leaving the long sides exposed. This selective removal of protection allows rainwater to flow along the entire length of the panel, washing away sand and dust while maintaining protection on the short sides where it is most needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The protecting member is applied selectively to only the short sides of the solar cell panel rather than uniformly covering the entire perimeter. This local application provides protection where structurally necessary while leaving the long sides open for drainage functionality.
2Productivity
If rainwater flows over the light receiving surface, then sand and dust are washed away improving power generation efficiency, but the protecting member structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The protecting member serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides structural protection to the short sides of the panel, defines the drainage path along the long sides, and supports the overall assembly structure. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate drainage components.
3Strength
If the protecting member covers all sides of the solar cell panel, then the structure is more complete and robust, but the drainage function is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The protecting member is segmented to cover only specific portions of the panel perimeter (the short sides) while leaving other portions (the long sides) exposed. This segmentation allows different regions to serve different functions: protection where needed and drainage where beneficial.
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 configuration effectively reduces the accumulation of sand and dust on the light-receiving surface, thereby maintaining and improving the power generation efficiency of solar cell modules.
Implementation Method 1
rainwater and the like on the first surface can be drained from the exposed side
Data Source
Figure 1(a)~1(c)
Figure 2(a)~2(c)
Figure 3(a)~3(b)
AI summary
This invention is provided with: a rectangular solar cell panel having a first surface, a second surface on a backside of the first surface, and a third surface connecting between the first surface and the second surface; a protecting member that holds the solar cell panel at one pair of sides opposed to each other, in a plan view from the first surface side or the second surface side, and is disposed in a manner to leave at least one of the other sides of the solar cell panel, except for end portions thereof, exposed as an exposed side; and a holding member that holds the protecting member. The protecting member includes a first protecting member that sandwiches the one pair of sides from both the first surface side and the second surface side to protect the one pair of sides. The first protecting member includes a first portion located close to the exposed side of the solar cell panel and located on an outer side of the solar cell panel than the exposed side. The holding member includes one pair of holding portions that holds the first portion of the first protecting member at the end portions of the exposed side, and a coupling portion that extends along the exposed side to couple the pair of holding portions. The coupling portion is kept from contact with the solar cell panel.