Maintaining a solar power module

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Solution Overview

Problem

Solar power systems, particularly photovoltaic systems, face efficiency reduction due to high temperatures and atmospheric particles like dust, which are prevalent in sunny climates, leading to decreased power output.

Innovation Solution

A solar power system with a spherical frame and a hemispherical reservoir for cleaning solution, where solar power cells can be rotated into the reservoir for cleaning and cooling, using a magneto-caloric pump mechanism driven by permanent magnets to circulate a cooling fluid and reduce surface temperature.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If solar power systems operate in sunny climates with high temperatures and atmospheric particles, then solar power output increases due to more sunny hours, but efficiency decreases due to high temperature and dust accumulation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesolar power outputVSAvoidsystem efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The solar power system performs self-cleaning by rotating the spherical frame to immerse the solar cells in cleaning solution contained in the hemispherical reservoir, eliminating the need for external maintenance equipment and enabling autonomous dust removal in sunny climates

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The spherical frame is designed to be rotatable about a vertical axis, allowing dynamic repositioning of solar cells between operational position (exposed to sunlight) and cleaning position (immersed in cleaning solution), enabling the system to adapt between power generation and maintenance modes

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Ease of operation

If solar cells are cleaned by rotating the spherical frame into the hemispherical reservoir, then cleaning effectiveness improves, but system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecleaning effectivenessVSAvoidsystem structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The cleaning system merges the reservoir structure with the spherical frame support structure, where the hemispherical reservoir is mounted to enclose the lower hemispherical portion of the spherical frame, combining storage and cleaning functions into a single integrated structure

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses a spherical frame with solar cells mounted on its outer surface and a hemispherical reservoir that encloses the lower portion, creating a compact curved structure that rotates for cleaning, reducing the need for complex linear mechanisms

Inventive Principle:

Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

3Quantity of substance

If a hemispherical reservoir is used to hold cleaning solution, then cleaning capacity increases, but the volume of the system increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecleaning solution capacityVSAvoidsystem volume

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSVolume of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The hemispherical reservoir is nested within the spherical frame structure, with the reservoir enclosing the lower hemispherical portion of the spherical frame, allowing the cleaning solution storage to be integrated within the existing structural volume rather than adding external bulk

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

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 solution enhances the efficiency of solar power systems by facilitating in-situ cleaning with minimal disassembly, providing a larger surface area for solar absorption, and using low-energy cooling methods that require little maintenance, thereby improving electrical power output and reducing temperature-related efficiency losses.

Implementation Method 1

using a magneto-caloric pump mechanism driven by permanent magnets to circulate a cooling fluid and reduce surface temperature

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMagneto-caloric effect: Magnetocaloric Effect

Implementation Method 2

Solar power systems, particularly photovoltaic systems

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPhotovoltaic effect: Photovoltaic Effect

Data Source

PatentEP3566299B1Maintaining a solar power module

Publication Date: 2020.10.14 SAUDI ARABIAN OIL CO

Figure 1A~1B
Figure 2~3
Figure 4

AI summary

A solar power system includes a plurality of solar power cells mounted on a spherical frame; a hemispherical reservoir mounted to the spherical frame to enclose at least a portion of the spherical frame such that a gap is defined between the spherical frame and an interior surface of the reservoir, the reservoir configured to hold a fluid that includes a solar cell cleaning solution; and at least one actuator mounted to the spherical frame and operable to rotate a portion of the spherical frame that supports the plurality of solar power cells through the gap.