Solar Panel Heating Structure for Low-Energy Ice Removal
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing solar and photovoltaic systems face inefficiencies in removing snow and ice accumulations from solar collection surfaces in cold environments, with passive methods being ineffective and active systems consuming excessive energy.
Innovation Solution
A solar panel system equipped with a heat source in thermally conductive relation to the panel, combined with sensors to detect ice presence, allowing targeted heating to melt snow, graupel, hail, or frost, thereby facilitating solar energy collection while minimizing energy drain.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If passive solar ray collection is used to mitigate ice formation, then energy efficiency is improved, but effectiveness in removing large snow and ice accumulations deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses the solar panel itself as the heating element by controlling electrical current to flow directly through the photovoltaic cells, making them generate heat to melt ice and snow on their own surface without requiring external heating components
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the operational parameters of the solar panel by adjusting the electrical current flow to optimize the balance between power generation and ice melting, allowing the panel to operate in different modes depending on ice accumulation conditions
2Reliability
If resistive electric wires with hot water solar heating system are used, then ice removal capability is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges the power generation function and ice melting function into a single integrated system where the solar panel serves both purposes simultaneously, eliminating the need for separate heating systems and reducing overall energy consumption
Solution Approach 2:
The solar panel generates its own heat internally through controlled electrical current to melt ice on its surface, making the system self-sufficient and eliminating dependence on external hot water heating systems
3Reliability
If external heating systems are installed on solar panels, then ice removal effectiveness is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the heating function from external components and integrates it directly into the solar panel structure by using the panel's own electrical conductivity, thereby simplifying the overall system design and reducing component count
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 removes ice from solar panels, enhancing energy collection efficiency by using a controlled heating system that only activates when necessary, thus conserving energy and maintaining system performance in cold conditions.
Implementation Method 1
The heat source communicates with the chamber operative to heat the solar panel to melt ice from the solar panel
Implementation Method 2
heat the solar panel to melt ice from the solar panel
Implementation Method 3
The heater is provided in thermally conductive relation with the solar panel operative to heat the solar panel to melt ice from the solar panel
Data Source
AI summary
A solar collection device is provided having a solar panel, a frame, a back panel, and a heat source. The frame is affixed to a rear surface of the solar panel. The back panel is affixed to a rear surface of the frame providing at least one air chamber between the solar panel, the frame, and the back panel. The heat source communicates with the chamber operative to heat the solar panel to melt ice from the solar panel. A method for heating a solar panel is also provided.