Solar Module Drying with Regenerated Desiccant Gas Flushing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Concentrator photovoltaic solar modules face efficiency deterioration due to temperature-induced air pressure changes and humidity, which can lead to lens plate curvature and damage to solar cells and electric components, necessitating a method to remove moisture and harmful substances while maintaining a hermetically sealed environment.
Innovation Solution
A drying apparatus comprising an absorber, heating device, and valve system that directs dried gas through the solar module for flushing and regenerates the absorber using a heating device, ensuring low humidity and preventing heated air from re-entering the module, utilizing an absorber like silica gel and a bypass conduit for efficient operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the solar module is hermetically sealed to prevent environmental damage, then protection of solar cells and electric components is improved, but temperature-induced internal pressure variations cause lens plate curvature which deteriorates focusing efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
A drying agent (silica gel) is introduced as an intermediary substance inside the hermetically sealed module to absorb excess moisture and control internal humidity. This allows the module to remain sealed for protection while the drying agent compensates for temperature-induced pressure changes by absorbing or releasing moisture, thereby preventing lens plate curvature and maintaining focusing efficiency.
2Manufacturing precision
If gas exchange is allowed between module interior and surroundings to prevent lens plate curvature, then focusing efficiency is maintained, but humidity and harmful substances enter the module which damages solar cells and electric components in the long run
Solution Approach 1:
A drying agent (silica gel) is introduced as an intermediary substance inside the hermetically sealed module to absorb excess moisture and control internal humidity. This allows the module to remain sealed for protection while the drying agent compensates for temperature-induced pressure changes by absorbing or releasing moisture, thereby preventing lens plate curvature and maintaining focusing efficiency.
3Reliability
If the absorber is continuously heated to maintain drying capacity, then drying performance is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The heating device operates periodically rather than continuously. The controller activates the heating device only when the absorber reaches a certain humidity threshold, regenerating the drying agent in periodic cycles. This maintains effective drying performance while significantly reducing energy consumption compared to continuous heating operation.
4Ease of operation
If multiple valve members are used to control gas flow directions for flushing and regenerating, then operational control is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The valve members are designed with multi-functionality to control multiple flow paths using a single valve mechanism. The first valve member controls both the flushing mode (directing gas from absorber to solar module) and the regenerating mode (directing gas from heating device to absorber), reducing the total number of valves needed while maintaining comprehensive operational control.
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 apparatus effectively extends the service life of solar module components, reduces costs per unit energy generated, and increases the module's useful life by maintaining low relative humidity and preventing damage from moisture and harmful substances.
Implementation Method 1
an absorber (6) configured for drying a gas and having an inlet and an outlet for the gas flowing therethrough
Implementation Method 2
a heating device (9) configured for heating the gas passing through the absorber (6) for drying the absorber (6)
Implementation Method 3
directing the dried gas from the absorber to the solar module
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to an apparatus and a method of drying the interior of solar modules. The apparatus and the method are particularly suitable for use with concentrator photovoltaic (CPV) modules. The drying apparatus comprises an absorber for drying and a heating device for heating a gas flowing therethrough and is connected to a solar cell via a connection, so that the dried gas is conducted into the solar cell.