Solar Panel Orientation Control for Natural Surface Cleaning
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional photovoltaic systems with built-in cleaning devices for photovoltaic panels are complex and costly, prone to failures, and require frequent maintenance due to the need for brush-based surface cleaning, which is inefficient, especially in environments like deserts where dust accumulation reduces power generation efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A photovoltaic system that utilizes a support structure allowing the panel to adjust its orientation in azimuth and elevation, coupled with a drive device and control system to leverage natural phenomena such as rain, wind, dew condensation, and gravity for cleaning, eliminating the need for a complex cleaning device.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a brush-based cleaning device is mounted on the photovoltaic panel, then the cleaning function is improved, but the device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The cleaning function is extracted from a dedicated brush-based cleaning device and transferred to the photovoltaic panel's own orientation adjustment capability. The panel uses its existing drive mechanism to change orientation, allowing natural phenomena to perform the cleaning action, thereby eliminating the need for separate cleaning components.
Solution Approach 2:
The photovoltaic panel performs cleaning on itself by utilizing its orientation adjustment capability. The control device commands the drive device to position the panel at specific angles that facilitate natural cleaning actions, making the system self-sufficient without external cleaning equipment.
2Reliability
If a brush-based cleaning device is mounted on the photovoltaic panel, then the cleaning function is improved, but maintenance frequency increases
Solution Approach 1:
The cleaning function is extracted from a dedicated brush-based cleaning device and transferred to the photovoltaic panel's own orientation adjustment capability. The panel uses its existing drive mechanism to change orientation, allowing natural phenomena to perform the cleaning action, thereby eliminating the need for separate cleaning components.
Solution Approach 2:
The photovoltaic panel performs cleaning on itself by utilizing its orientation adjustment capability. The control device commands the drive device to position the panel at specific angles that facilitate natural cleaning actions, making the system self-sufficient without external cleaning equipment.
3Device complexity
If the photovoltaic panel uses fixed orientation, then the structure is simple, but power generation efficiency is reduced due to dust accumulation
Solution Approach 1:
The photovoltaic panel alternates between power generation mode (tracking sun orientation) and cleaning mode (specific orientations that facilitate dust removal). The control device periodically switches between these modes based on accumulated dirt levels and environmental conditions, optimizing both power generation and cleaning needs.
Solution Approach 2:
The panel orientation parameter is dynamically adjusted not only for sun tracking but also for cleaning purposes. The control device changes the orientation parameter to specific values that maximize dust removal effectiveness while minimizing impact on power generation, thereby addressing both structural simplicity and efficiency requirements.
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 approach simplifies the cleaning process, reduces maintenance costs, and effectively removes dust and debris from the photovoltaic panel surfaces using natural elements, thereby enhancing power generation efficiency without the need for additional sensors or complex cleaning mechanisms.
Implementation Method 1
facilitates removal of attached substance to a light receiving surface of the photovoltaic panel by use of at least one of natural phenomena including rain, wind, dew condensation, and gravity
Implementation Method 2
facilitates removal of attached substance to a light receiving surface of the photovoltaic panel by use of at least one of natural phenomena including rain, wind, dew condensation, and gravity
Implementation Method 3
facilitates removal of attached substance to a light receiving surface of the photovoltaic panel by use of at least one of natural phenomena including rain, wind, dew condensation, and gravity
Implementation Method 4
facilitates removal of attached substance to a light receiving surface of the photovoltaic panel by use of at least one of natural phenomena including rain, wind, dew condensation, and gravity
Data Source
AI summary
This photovoltaic system includes: a support portion; a photovoltaic panel supported by the support portion so as to be able to take an orientation at any angle in each of azimuth and elevation; a drive device configured to change the orientation of the photovoltaic panel; and a control device configured to cause, during power generation, the drive device to drive the photovoltaic panel such that sun light hits the photovoltaic panel, the control device configured to, when executing a cleaning mode, control the drive device such that the photovoltaic panel takes an orientation that facilitates removal of attached substance to a light receiving surface of the photovoltaic panel by use of at least one of natural phenomena including rain, wind, dew condensation, and gravity.