JP2023540132A - Cleaning method for solar panels - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to a solar panel cleaning method. The present invention relates to a cleaning method for a solar panel when snow, ice, or dust accumulates on the solar panel to reduce or remove the power output from the solar panel. The cleaning method includes selecting a particular cleaning location on the solar panel array based primarily on the location of the obstruction and the difference in size of the obstruction. The cleaning method also includes sequentially selecting cleaning positions in a stepwise manner and sequentially operating the cleaning devices in the selected cleaning positions in a stepwise manner. Additional groups of cleaning devices activated sequentially in stages may be powered in whole or in part by the previously cleaned solar panels. [Selection diagram] Figure 1

Description

(Cross reference to related applications)
This invention relates to U.S. patent application Ser. This application is a continuation-in-part of No. 588 and claims priority.

The present disclosure is directed to photovoltaic or solar panels, and in particular to methods of cleaning the panels.

The conversion of sunlight into electricity, or solar power, continues to be a popular energy source. A solar cell or panel array may include several or thousands of solar cells or panels placed on or near a building or over a large area of land, such as a desert. The performance of these solar cells and panel arrays can be significantly degraded by snow, ice, or dust that reduces the solar cells' ability to receive sunlight.

If snow, ice, or dust accumulates on the array's solar cells and panels, it can prevent sunlight from reaching the solar cells and prevent them from producing electricity until the snow or ice melts or the dust is removed. There is. In certain regions, snow or ice storms may be followed by several days of clear skies, but snow or ice that has accumulated on the solar array may It can vary or be uneven throughout, preventing these particular areas or the entire array of solar panels from operating properly.

Certain conventional solar cell cleaning methods and apparatus use water to clean solar panels. This method is not practical when there is snow or ice, or for solar panels installed in the desert. There are other methods that use electrostatic fields to repel dust or use air flow generation on the solar panel surface. Although these and other conventional solar cell cleaning methods and apparatuses have been proposed, solar There remains a need for improved methods for cleaning batteries and panels.

The present invention relates to a method for cleaning solar panels and reducing power consumption when cleaning snow, ice, or dust from solar panels. By using the methods of the present disclosure on large solar panel arrays, power consumption can be reduced to a relatively small amount that can be provided in whole or in part by cleaned solar panels.

The method of the present invention removes snow, ice, and other debris from disturbed solar panels by using either a heated cleaning device, an electromagnetic/electrostatic cleaning device, or a combination device with both heating and electromagnetic/electrostatic outputs. Or remove dust. The sensor determines when the solar panel array or individual sections within the solar panel array are inhibited to an unacceptable level, thereby preventing the panels in each array section from producing normal electrical output.

The location, size, and type of obstacles are sensed and evaluated for each section of the solar panel array. One or more sections of the array are then selected and cleaning areas are selected within the selected sections of the solar panel. A group of cleaning devices is selected within the selected cleaning area and the selected cleaning devices are activated to remove snow, ice, or dirt.

According to the method of the invention, only a part of the cleaning device in the initially selected cleaning area, i.e. only one solar panel in the initially selected cleaning area is affected by snow, ice or dust. is activated after being inhibited. After the initially selected area is cleaned, additional cleaning areas are sequentially selected in a step-by-step sequence, and groups of additional cleaning devices within the selected cleaning areas are activated to clean the selected sections of the array. .

The method includes the steps of: (a) evaluating a section of a solar panel array to determine the location, size, and type of obstruction; (b) selecting one or more sections of the array; (c) selecting a group of solar panels within the cleaning area and activating a cleaning device associated with the selection of the group of solar panels; (d) sequentially selecting additional compartments and cleaning areas in a stepwise manner and sequentially selecting and operating cleaning devices within the additional cleaning areas in a stepwise manner;

The step-by-step method of evaluating, selecting, and activating continues until the entire solar panel array has been cleaned. The cleaning devices of successively selected compartments in stages can be powered by the previously cleaned solar panels. Thus, all or part of the power generated by the cleaned solar panels is used to power the cleaning equipment for the next selected group of solar panels to be cleaned.

Sensors are used to detect information including the location, size, and type of obstacles on the solar panel. This and other information is evaluated by the controller before selecting the desired first wash position and before selecting the next wash position. The controller evaluates the collected information to select a first section of the solar panel to be cleaned and to select a next section of the solar panel to be cleaned. Selected sections of solar panels may be adjacent to each other or spaced apart from each other. Each wash region is selected based in part on electrical power variations between individual sections of the array. The selection of the number and location of cleaning devices to operate within the selected cleaning area depends in part on the location and size of the obstruction within the selected cleaning area.

The assessment of the location, size, and type of obstacles is supplemented with information regarding weather conditions, weather forecasts, and temperature.

The method disclosed herein, which includes the step-by-step sequential evaluation, selection, and activation of cleaning devices, is compared to known cleaning methods that set all cleaning devices either on or off. , provides a technique for efficient and low cost obstacle removal. For example, if the obstruction only covers a portion of the entire array, the method of the present invention provides a step-by-step, sequential approach that reduces the overall cost of obstruction removal compared to an array of on/off cleaning devices. The present invention provides a technique for operating only a relatively small number of cleaning devices selected in a method that allows the cleaning device to operate in a relatively small number of cleaning devices.

These and other aspects of the invention will be understood from the following detailed description of the embodiments and the appended claims, taken in conjunction with the drawings.

FIG. 1 is a schematic side view of a solar panel. FIG. 2 is a schematic top view of a group or section of solar panels. FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram of a solar panel array. FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a solar panel including a cleaning device. FIG. 5 is a schematic side view of a solar panel with a cleaning device. FIG. 6 is a schematic side view of a solar panel with a cleaning device. FIG. 7 is a block diagram of a controller connected to an alternative cleaning device. FIG. 8 is a schematic illustration of an embodiment of a cleaning device associated with a group or section of solar panels.

Reference is now made to the drawings, which illustrate embodiments of the method of the invention. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made in the present invention without departing from the scope of the invention. It is intended that the invention cover such modifications and variations as come within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents.

The present invention provides a method for improving the performance of photovoltaic (solar) cells. 1-3 illustrate a plurality of solar panels 50 and a representative panel support structure 60. FIG. As schematically shown in FIG. 1, the solar panel 50 is placed at a desired location on the base 70. The solar panel 50 is adjustable so that it can be placed in a desired position relative to the sun. Additionally, as shown in FIG. 2, solar panels 50 may be arranged in one or more groups or sections, and the groups or sections may be connected to each other to create a solar panel array.

As schematically shown in FIG. 3, solar panels 50 may be electrically connected in series as a solar panel array. As is conventional, solar panel arrays may include a few or even thousands of photovoltaic cells placed near or on a building, or spread over a large and diverse area of land.

It is known that the performance of individual solar panels, groups of solar panels, or solar panel arrays can be degraded by snow, ice, or dust that reduces the ability of solar cells to receive sunlight. Although cleaning devices for solar panels have been disclosed for some time, there remains a need for improved methods for cleaning solar panels while minimizing the amount of electrical power required to operate the cleaning device.

Referring to FIG. 4, one embodiment of cleaning a solar panel is shown. In this embodiment, the cleaning device 80 includes a clear panel layer with a multifunctional electrode 82. Electrode 82 may be configured to include multiple elements that enable multiple functional operations. Electrode 82 can be operated to function as a heating element to melt snow or ice. Alternatively, electrode 82 may be activated to create an electrostatic field to repel dust or dirt.

FIG. 5 shows another embodiment of a self-cleaning device 80. In this embodiment, the heating element 90 is attached to the surface of the device 80 rather than being embedded in the device 80. The heating element 90 is activated to melt the snow and ice when the blockage of sunlight by the snow and ice reaches a certain level of inhibition. Similarly, when the obstruction of sunlight by dust or dirt reaches a certain level, the electrodes 82 of the cleaning device 80 are activated to generate an electromagnetic field to remove the dust or dirt from the entire surface of the device 80.

Another embodiment of a self-cleaning device 80 is shown in FIG. In this embodiment, heating element 90 is mounted between device 80 and solar panel 50. The heating element 90 is activated to melt the snow and ice when a certain level of inhibition is reached by the snow and ice. Alternatively, electromagnetic or electrostatic waves are generated from the electrodes 82 of the device 80 when an unacceptable level of interference is reached by dust or dirt.

7-8, the present invention relates to a method for reducing the power consumption required to clean snow, ice, or dust from solar panels.

Referring to FIG. 7, a sensor 100 is connected to each solar panel 50 and detects when a section or group of solar panels is obstructed by snow, ice, or dust, and when the obstruction prevents the normal operation of the section or group of solar panels. , i.e., to prevent the operation of generating electricity at a normal threshold level.

As shown in FIGS. 2 and 8, solar panels 50 are arranged in groups or sections of a solar panel array. Obstacles on the array may be placed in variable patterns and locations, with each section of the obstacle having a different density or weight. Additionally, the obstruction may include spaced sections with irregular or variable amounts of obstruction present on individual solar panels or sections of the array. Therefore, it is not uncommon for there to be individual sections of the array or individual solar panels that are more affected by obstructions than other sections of the array.

The sensor 100 detects information including the position of the obstacle, the difference in size of the obstacle, and the type of the obstacle. Control device 110 receives information detected from sensor 100. Controller 110 also receives other information including weather conditions, weather forecasts, and information related to time, date, and temperature. The collected collection of information is evaluated by controller 110.

The evaluation of the information by the control device 110 starts with the location of the obstacle, followed by the difference in the size of the obstacle and the type of the obstacle. Obstacle location, as used herein, refers to the location of a region or section of an array that has an obstacle, such that the obstacle can reduce the normal operating output of the region or section below the normal operating output. reduce to a discernible level. Obstacle size differences, as used herein, refer to differences in the weight of obstacles in different areas or sections on the solar panel array. Differences in the size of obstacles also refer to differences in electrical output in areas or sections where the obstacles are located differently. Finally, obstacle type as used herein refers to either snow, ice, or dust.

If the information gathering evaluated by the controller 110 determines that snow or ice accumulation is obstructing some or all of the solar panels 50, the controller 110 causes the snow and ice controller 130 to Generate command signals to be transmitted. The controller 130 controls the electrodes 82 for selected section(s) or area(s) of the solar panel 50 to melt snow or ice obstructions from the selected panel 50. or activating heating element 90.

If the information collection processed by the controller 110 determines that dust or dirt is obstructing some or all of the solar panels 50, the controller 110 sends a command signal to the controller 120. generate. As shown schematically in FIG. 7, the controller 120 directs the electrodes 82 to generate an electromagnetic field for removing dust or mud obstructions from selected section(s) or area(s) of the solar panel. Sends polyphase AC signals.

As shown in FIGS. 8 and 4-6, electrodes 82 or elements 90 may be of any desired shape or size, and they may be placed in any desired location relative to solar panel 50. FIG. 8, for example, shows electrode 82 spaced apart from photovoltaic module 150. FIG.

After the location, size, and type of obstacles are sensed and evaluated for each section of the array of solar panels 50, based primarily on the collected information regarding the location of the obstacles and the differences in the size of the obstacles. , one or more partitions of the array are selected. A wash area is then selected within the selected section of the array. The cleaning area is selected primarily based on information regarding the location of obstacles and differences in obstacle size within the selected compartment. The cleaning device is selected within the selected cleaning area primarily based on differences in the size of the obstacles within the selected cleaning area. The selected cleaning device is then activated to remove snow, ice, or dust. Accordingly, the present invention provides a method for determining what, when, and where to activate the cleaning devices in each selected section of the array.

According to the method of the invention, a first group of blocked solar panels is selected for cleaning. A cleaning device (either 82 or 90) for the first group of solar panels is powered by the stored power and removes snow, ice, or dust from the selected solar panels. After the first selected inhibited solar panel is cleaned, the power generated by the cleaned solar panel is transferred to all or the cleaning equipment of the next group of inhibited solar panels selected for cleaning. Can be used to power some parts.

Only some of the cleaning devices, ie only one, in the initially selected cleaning area are activated. After the initially selected area is cleaned, additional cleaning areas are selected in step-by-step sequence and groups of additional cleaning devices are operated in step-by-step sequence to clean the additional cleaning areas.

After the first selected group of blocked solar panels is cleaned, the next group or section of blocked solar panels is selected and cleaned step by step. As explained, the subsequently selected group or section of blocked solar panels may be cleaned, in whole or in part, by the power generated from the previously cleaned group of solar panels.

As used herein, the steps of the method include stepwise selecting solar panels that are inhibited and stepwise activating a cleaning device to clean the selected solar panels, the steps comprising: successively increasing the number of cleaned solar panels using a stepwise method for selecting cleaned solar panels and activating cleaning equipment associated with the selected solar panels; or means to add. Additionally, the steps of the method as used herein include sequentially selecting the blocked solar panels and sequentially operating a cleaning device to clean the selected solar panels, This means selecting and cleaning solar panels in a logical order based on the location of the obstruction and the size of the obstruction.

The purpose of selecting the cleaning locations described herein is to create a more effective cleaning procedure. For example, if the obstruction is diverse and covers spaced portions of the entire solar panel array, it is better to activate the cleaning device in the most obstructed location than to activate all the cleaning devices at the same time. , is more effective. In this case, the position of the obstacle as defined herein becomes the main factor for determining the first and subsequent cleaning positions on the array.

Alternatively, if the obstruction covers most or all of the solar panel array, the cleaning location may be the entire solar panel array. In this case, the selection of the cleaning area based on the difference in the size of the obstacles as defined herein becomes the main factor in determining the first and subsequent cleaning areas.

The method of the present invention includes the steps of: (a) evaluating all sections of the solar panel array to determine the location, size, and type of obstructions, as defined herein; (c) selecting one or more array partitions based primarily on information including obstacle locations and obstacle size differences; and (c) the location of the obstacles within the selected array partitions. and (d) selecting a desired cleaning area within the selected section of the array based on the information including the difference in size of the obstruction and (d) the difference in size of the obstruction within the selected cleaning area. (e) stepwise and sequentially selecting additional array sections and cleaning regions and additionally selecting and activating cleaning devices in the selected cleaning regions; and (f) producing electricity with the cleaned solar panels, which are used in whole or in part, to the next selected group(s) of solar panels. supplying power to a cleaning device for.

The stepwise sequential evaluation, selection, and actuation method described herein continues until the entire solar panel array is cleaned. Selected sections of solar panels may be adjacent to each other or spaced apart from each other. Each wash region is selected based on factors including power output variations of individual sections of the array. Selection of the number and location of cleaning devices to operate within the selected cleaning area is based on factors including differences in the size of obstacles within the selected cleaning area.

The method disclosed herein, which includes the step of sequentially evaluating, selecting, and activating cleaning devices in a step-by-step manner, compares to known cleaning methods that switch all cleaning devices either on or off. To provide an efficient and lower cost method for removing obstructions. The steps of the method of the present invention include a relatively small number of steps, using a stepwise and sequential method for selecting sections on the array to be cleaned and then cleaning the selected blocked sections of the solar panel array. This provides a cleaning process that selects and operates a cleaning device.

The method of the present invention reduces the overall cost of obstruction removal compared to arrays of solar panels in which each solar panel has a cleaning device and all of the cleaning devices in the array are switched on or off. . Furthermore, the method does not require cleaning equipment for each solar cell or solar panel. The disclosed method allows for a variety of positioning arrangements of cleaning devices into spaced patterns, or other positioning arrangements that do not require cleaning devices for each solar cell or solar panel.

The invention may be embodied in other forms without departing from the spirit and attributes of the specification, and the scope of the invention is therefore indicated by the appended claims rather than the foregoing specification. should be referred to.

Claims (2)

A method for cleaning obstructions from an operational surface of a solar panel array that produces a normal threshold level of power output, and providing a cleaning device for a particular section of the solar panel to remove the obstruction from said section of the solar panel, the method comprising:
sensing the presence of an obstruction on the operating surface of all or part of the solar panel array;
determining when the obstruction reduces the power output of the array, or a partition of the array, to a level below a normal threshold level;
sensing and evaluating a section of the solar panel to determine the location of the obstruction, the difference in size of the obstruction, and the type of the obstruction;
selecting one or more sections of solar panels to be cleaned based on the location of the obstruction within the solar panel array and the difference in size of the obstruction;
selecting a desired cleaning area within the selected cleaning compartment based on the location of the obstruction within the selected cleaning area and the difference in size of the obstruction;
selecting and activating a cleaning device at a selected cleaning position within the desired cleaning area based on a difference in size of an obstruction within the desired cleaning area;
stepwise sequentially selecting additional sections of the array; stepwise sequentially selecting additional wash regions and wash positions within the wash region;
stepwise sequentially selecting and activating cleaning devices in the selected additional cleaning areas and cleaning locations;
generating electricity using the cleaned solar panels and supplying, in whole or in part, a cleaning device for successively selected solar panels in stages requiring cleaning;
method including. 2. The method of cleaning obstructions from an operating surface of a solar panel array as claimed in claim 1, further comprising evaluating information regarding climate conditions, climate forecasts, date, time, and temperature.

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