Washing method and apparatus for solar panels
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing solar collector cleaning devices are limited to cleaning in fixed positions, making it inefficient and impossible to clean solar collectors during operation hours, leading to soiling during the day and requiring the collectors to be moved out of their operating position for cleaning.
Innovation Solution
A movable washing apparatus with adaptable shape and lubricated guidance along the solar collector's edges, equipped with washing nozzles, brushes, and compressed air nozzles, allowing for cleaning across a wide pivoting range without the need for guide rails, enabling efficient cleaning at any angle and reuse of washing water.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a static washing apparatus is used, then the cleaning structure is simple, but the cleaning position is fixed and cannot adapt to different solar collector angles
Solution Approach 1:
The washing apparatus is designed to be movable along the solar collector surface rather than static. The device can traverse the entire length of the solar collector, adapting to different positions and angles. This dynamic capability allows cleaning across a wide pivoting range while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The washing apparatus is designed with universal applicability to clean solar collectors at various angles and positions. By combining washing nozzles, brushes, and compressed air nozzles in a single multi-functional device, it can handle different cleaning requirements across the entire solar collector surface without requiring multiple specialized devices.
2Productivity
If the solar collector is moved to a fixed cleaning position, then cleaning can be performed, but the collector must be taken out of operation causing efficiency loss
Solution Approach 1:
The washing apparatus is designed to clean the solar collector in its operating position without requiring the collector to be moved or taken out of service. The device attaches to and travels along the solar collector surface, performing cleaning tasks while the collector remains in its operational configuration, thus eliminating operational downtime.
Solution Approach 2:
The washing apparatus can be deployed to clean the solar collector before the start of operation or during maintenance periods without requiring structural changes or position changes. This allows preliminary cleaning action to be taken, ensuring the collector is ready for immediate operation without efficiency loss.
3Ease of manufacture
If washing water is applied to the solar collector surface, then dirt is removed, but water and dirt residue remains on the surface
Solution Approach 1:
The washing apparatus merges multiple cleaning functions into a single integrated system: washing nozzles apply cleaning water, brushes mechanically remove dirt, and compressed air nozzles blow away water and dirt residue. This combination of functions ensures thorough cleaning without leaving harmful residues on the solar collector surface.
Solution Approach 2:
The compressed air nozzles convert the harmful effect of water residue into a beneficial drying process. By blowing compressed air across the surface, the system removes water and dirt mixture, transforming the potential harm of residue into an effective drying mechanism that leaves the surface clean and dry.
4Ease of operation
If a rail guide system is used to guide the washing apparatus, then the apparatus can be positioned accurately, but the system becomes more complex and requires additional infrastructure
Solution Approach 1:
The washing apparatus extracts the guidance function from a separate rail guide infrastructure and integrates it directly into the apparatus itself. The device uses its own structure and the solar collector surface as guidance references, eliminating the need for external rail guides while maintaining accurate positioning and movement along the collector.
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
Enables efficient, automatic, and residue-free cleaning of solar collectors at any angle, preventing surface damage and allowing for continuous operation without moving the collectors, while also conserving resources by reusing and purifying washing water.
Implementation Method 1
the washing water used can also be recovered... through which the washing water used can be fed into a tank carried on the washing apparatus
Implementation Method 2
compressed air nozzles are also arranged, which can have an additional effect when cleaning the surface of the solar collector
Implementation Method 3
the washing apparatus is guided in a longitudinally displaceable manner using suitable lubricants
Implementation Method 4
In the drainage direction of the water, below a lower edge of the collector, a collecting channel is assigned to the washing apparatus, in which the washing water running over the solar collector is collected
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is a method for cleaning solar panels by means of a washing apparatus (1) which can be displaced on the solar panel (2) and applies rinsing water to the surface of the solar panel (2) and washes the surface with the help of washing nozzles and/or brushes. The washing apparatus (1) embraces the solar panel (2) in the edge region in such a way that the washing apparatus (1) is guided in a longitudinally movable way directly on the solar panel (2).