PT105614A - SYSTEM OF OPTIMIZATION OF THE PERFORMANCE, CLEANING AND PROTECTION OF THERMAL SOLAR PANELS - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to a system (1) for optimizing the performance, cleaning and protection of solar thermal panels, which limits the collection of solar radiation by the panel (5) based on the temperature of the fluid inside. The system has a set of radar collection area equipment (2) that is activated and deactivated by the reading of a temperature sensor (4) placed at the output of the panel (5) or other conditions DEFINED BY THE ELECTRONIC CONTROLLER (7) OF THE SYSTEM, ALWAYS ALLOWING TO CLEAN THE SURFACE OF THE PANELS (3) AND TO PROTECT THE SURFACE THROUGH THE PROPERTIES OF THE COVERING EQUIPMENT (2). In this way, the present invention is useful for optimizing the performance of thermal solar panels by eliminating the problems associated with their overheating at times of greater solar availability, while allowing the solar thermal panels to be serviced.

Description

DESCRIPTION

System for optimizing the efficiency, cleaning and protection of solar thermal panels

TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to a system for optimizing the performance of thermal solar panels, which limits the capture of solar radiation by the panel based on the temperature of the fluid therein, having a system covering the zone of of the radiation that is activated and deactivated by means of the temperature readings made. The system also allows to clean the radiation receiving surface of the solar panels, as well as the protection thereof against adverse weather conditions.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is an object of the present invention to provide a system for optimizing the efficiency, cleaning and protection of solar thermal panels, which monitors the temperature of the fluid inside the panels and the water tank and, according to the readings made by these sensors, or other conditions defined by the system controller, activates a set of equipment to cover the radiation collection zone. The present invention is useful for optimizing the efficiency of solar thermal panels by minimizing the overheating effects of panels which, in addition to affecting the performance, shorten the lifetime of these equipments, thus being their main advantage the 1 possibility of application of this type of technology in countries of greater availability solar eliminating the worry of overheating and damages of the panels.

As the present invention consists of an electronically controlled system, it has other associated advantages such as protection of panels in adverse weather conditions (rain or hail), or the possibility of controlling a set of panels with a single control system, requiring extra equipment for this purpose. In addition, it also cleans the solar radiation reception and absorption surface of the panels whenever the system is activated. Another advantage is that it also allows integrating a photovoltaic system on the surface of the roofing equipment in order to generate electrical energy in the periods when the system is limiting the reception of radiation by the panel.

State of the art Solar availability is very high in countries close to the equator, and society can use this resource to produce thermal energy to heat sanitary waters, but also to heat water from heating systems. However, the best solar thermal technology that allows to heat the water for this purpose with a smaller investment and better profitability (solar panels of vacuum tubes) has problems of overheating in the summer, in countries near the equator, due to its greater exposure which leads to the low use of this technology in favor of other systems less efficient and with much lower yields. 2

Another problem associated with these solar panels that affects your income is cleaning them. Since they are mainly applied to roofs, they are exposed to rain, dust, dirt caused by birds, among others, which clearly reduces the yield of the panels, by reducing the radiation incident in the heating zone.

Finally, these panels still lack the problem of low resistance because they are manufactured with an outer layer of glass, which is sometimes damaged by stronger rain (hail), requiring the replacement of damaged pipes for continuity of panel operation .

The solutions currently adopted to limit the temperature of solar panels of vacuum tubes consist of the discharge of the fluid to the exterior of the circuit, transfer of the temperature of the fluid to an exchanger that transfers it to the water of the pool, or additional deposits inside the housing . However, all these techniques lead to unnecessary energy losses or investments that do not add value to the system, further contributing to their non-use in countries with greater sun exposure.

There is also a solution shown in utility model CN201251309 (Y) consisting of a " curtain " mobile device controlled by an engine which allows to cover and uncover the surface of solar panels by the temperature of the fluid therein, but this as a unique characteristic the cover of the panel in its entirety. The biggest competitive advantage for the previously described systems is that this system allows their integration into any solar thermal panel of vacuum tubes, giving guarantees of better efficiency, less maintenance costs, less damages, cleaning of the tubes and, still , the possibility in some cases of generating photovoltaic electric energy with the solar thermal panels themselves.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to a system for optimizing the performance, cleaning and protection of solar thermal panels, consisting of electronic monitoring equipment (temperature sensor, connected to the panel mackerel, rain sensor or hail and a microcontroller to process information and control the system) and mechanical covering and protection equipment of solar panels, activated by electric motors connected to a mechanical system consisting of sprockets.

When at least one of the following conditions is detected, the protection system is actuated: fluid temperature at the output of the panel exceeding a maximum limit (defined in the microcontroller) - the indication is given to activate the first set of panel cover equipment ; if, after a certain period of time, the situation persists, it is indicated to activate the second set of covering equipment of the panels by repeating the sequence to the fourth set of covering equipment of the panels. In case the condition is no longer valid, it is indicated to deactivate all the sets of covering equipment of the panels, again being completely exposed to solar radiation. In the case of detection of hail occurrence, and also at night time, it is indicated for all the covering equipment of the panels to be activated, in order to protect the surface of the same.

Whenever the set of panels covering the panels is activated, they will clean the receiving surface of the panel by means of a cleaning system installed on the equipment itself.

Description of the figures

1 shows a schematic representation of the system applied to a vacuum tube solar panel, in which (1) represents the complete system applied to the panel, (2) represents one of the covering and protection equipment of the radiation pick-up zone (3) (4) represents the temperature sensor at the output of the solar panel (5), (6) represents the photovoltaic cells placed at the top of the solar panel (5) in order to generate energy to power the solar panel (7) and the electric motors, represented by the electric motor (8). The mechanical sprocket system 9 is actuated by the motor 8, the cog wheels being connected to the cover and protection equipment of the radiation pick-up zone, represented by 2.

Fig. 2: Schematic representation of the connection of the electric motors with the cover and protection system, type of connection 1, in which (2) represents one of the covering and protection equipment of the radiation collection zone (3), connected to the system (10), the electric motor (8) being connected directly to the equipment (2) by means of a single mechanical connection - a coupled gear wheel (11) to the motor shaft connected to a motor (12) coupled to the equipment (2).

Fig. 3: Schematic representation of the connection of the electric motors with the cover and protection system, type of connection 2, in which (2) represents a cover and protection equipment of the radiation pick-up zone (3) and (14) represents a further covering and protection equipment for the radiation collection zone 15, the electric motor 8 being coupled to the gear wheel 12, which in turn is connected to the gear wheels 11 and 13. The sprocket 11 is in turn connected to the equipment 2 and the sprocket 13 is connected to the equipment 14, both being actuated simultaneously, whenever the electric motor comes into operation.

Fig. 4: Schematic representation of the connection of the electric motors with the cover and protection system, type of connection 3, in which (2) represents a covering and protection equipment of the radiation pick-up zone (3), (14) represents the covering and protection equipment of the radiation collection zone 15, 19 represents the covering and protection equipment of the radiation collection zone 18 and 22 represents the covering and protection equipment of the collection zone of the radiation (23). In this type of connection, the electric motor (8) is coupled to the gear wheel (12), which is in turn connected to the gear wheels (11) and (13). The sprocket 13 is in turn connected to the sprocket 16, which is connected to the sprocket 17, which controls the cover equipment 19. The wheel 17 is in turn connected to the wheel 20, which drives the sprocket 24, which controls the covering equipment 22, being connected thereto by the link 24.

Thus, whenever the electric motor 2 is actuated, it will activate the sprockets 11, 12, 13, 16, 17, 20, and 21, activates the four cover and protection systems 2, 14, 19 and 22.

Fig. 5: Schematic representation of the connection of a control system to several solar panels, in which (7) represents the electronic temperature monitoring and control system 6 of the mechanical systems of the panels, (4) represents the panel temperature sensor (5), which has the integrated optimization of the performance, cleaning and protection of solar thermal panels (1), (26) represents the second solar panel with the performance optimization system, cleaning and protection of solar thermal panels ( 25) represents the third panel with the performance optimization, cleaning and protection of integrated solar panels (27) and (30) represents the fourth panel with the performance optimization, cleaning and panel protection system (29). In this figure, the panels are connected in series with one another, whereby only one sensor is required at the output of the system, which communicates with the electronic system (7), which in turn is connected to all the panels in order to control the electric motors (and consequently the entire system for optimizing the efficiency, cleaning and protection of solar thermal panels) of each of the panels.

Fig. 6: Schematic representation of the covering and protection equipment of the radiation collection zone, in which (2) represents the covering and protection equipment of the radiation pick-up zone, (31) represents its concave part, which has reflective characteristics and has integrated a cleaning system (32). (33) represents the convex portion of the equipment (2), having such insulation characteristics in order to prevent the passage of radiation and limit the temperature conduction, also allowing the integration of photovoltaic cells (34) therein.

Fig. 7: Schematic representation of the electrical and electronic equipment of the system, in which (7) represents the electronic box with the electronic boards and the microcontroller inside, which is fed by the photovoltaic cells (6). The input information comes from the temperature sensor (4) installed at the outlet of the panel and the pressure sensor (35) installed above the panel. At the output are the electric motors 8, 36, 37 and 38, also fed by the photovoltaic cells 6.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to a system for optimizing the performance, cleaning and protection of solar thermal panels, comprising electronic monitoring equipment and mechanical equipment for covering and protecting the solar panels. Electronic equipment includes a temperature sensor, placed at the output of the solar panel to measure the temperature of the fluid at the outlet of the solar panel, a pressure sensor to detect the occurrence of hail and a microcontroller to process the information of the sensors and activate the part of the system. The mechanical part includes electric motors connected to a mechanical system consisting of gear wheels that activate the cover system of the zone of capture of the solar radiation (i.e., vacuum tubes). The mechanical part is divided into several systems per panel, i.e. there is a number of electric motors controlling the various cover systems, each cover system being comprised of one or more tubes at the same time. Thus, an engine can control only one cover and protection equipment, or it can control two, four, or more cover and protection equipment simultaneously, being mechanically connected to them.

When at least one of the following conditions is detected, the cover and protection system is activated: 1) Fluid temperature at the output of the panel exceeds a maximum limit (defined in the microcontroller) - an indication is given to activate the first set of equipment (covering one quarter of the panel tubes); if a certain time (defined in the microcontroller) is left in the situation, an indication is given to activate the second set of panel coverings (which also covers one quarter of the panel tubes), repeating the sequence up to the fourth set of equipment covering the panels. In case the condition is no longer valid, it is indicated to deactivate all the sets of covering equipment of the panels, again being completely exposed to solar radiation. 2) In the case of detection of the occurrence of hail and also in the night period, it is indicated for all the covering equipment of the panels to be activated, in order to protect the panel tubes from adverse conditions and also from thermal losses at night .

Whenever the panel cover kit is activated, the panels will clean the radiation receiving surface of the panel (vacuum tubes) through a cleaning system installed on the concave surface of the system. This surface also has a reflective layer, which allows all the radiation that passes through the panel without being absorbed is again reflected in the direction of the panel, thus being better utilized the radiation incident on the panel and improving the efficiency thereof. It should be noted that the microcontroller always orientates this surface towards the Sun, as a solar tracking system, thus allowing to maximize the incident radiation in the zone of capture of solar radiation.

In relation to the convex zone of the cover and protection system of the panels, it is made up of an insulating material, in order to prevent the radiation incident on the panel from passing to the receiving surface of radiation, thus becoming the surface of this system to receive radiation, limiting the temperature generated by the solar panel. In addition to being an insulating material, this surface also allows the application of photovoltaic cells, in order to generate electricity in the periods of greater solar availability and in which it is not necessary to generate thermal energy. The microcontroller also has integrated solar maps in its program, in order to control the position of the concave part of the cover equipment, orienting this to the Sun according to the date and time of day, thus increasing the solar radiation in the zone of capture of radiation.

Application examples From Figure 1 (system implemented in a vacuum tube solar panel) one can observe the preferable implementation of the system (1), only one panel (5) being used.

In this configuration, whenever a temperature higher than the maximum limit defined by the temperature sensor (4) is detected, the set of cover equipment (2) will be gradually activated by the electronic control (V), this control being carried out in four parts of the panel . Whenever it is found that the temperature has become below the defined minimum limit, the system is then activated again, in order to expose the radiation collection zone (3) of the panel to solar radiation.

When the occurrence of hail is verified and also at night the system is also activated in order to protect the tubes of the panel as well as in order to limit the thermal losses. From the figure 2 the connection of an electric motor (8) is observed directly to a covering and protection equipment (2), this being the simplest application of the mechanical system of sprockets (9), since the motor (8) will act a toothed wheel, which in turn acts another toothed wheel connected directly to the covering equipment 10 (2) by the connection (10). With this solution the mechanical complexity will be reduced, but there is a need to use more electric motors. From the figure 3 the connection of an electric motor (8) to two protective and cover equipment (2) and (14) is observed, this being the most efficient application of the mechanical system of sprockets, since the motor the electric motor 8 will operate a toothed wheel 12 to which it is coupled, which in turn simultaneously actuates two toothed wheels 11 and 13, respectively connected to the cover equipment 2 and 14. With this solution the mechanical complexity increases slightly, while decreasing the use of electric motors. From Figure 4, the connection of an electric motor 8 to four cover and protection equipment 2, 14, 19 and 22 is observed, this application being more complex in the mechanical wheel system since the electric motor 8 will act on a toothed wheel 12 to which it is coupled, which in turn simultaneously actuates the remaining cogs of the system, firstly the wheels 11 and 13, which subsequently operate the wheels 16, 17, 20 and 21. These are in turn connected to the cover equipment 2, 14, 19 and 22, respectively. With this solution the mechanical complexity increases significantly, being however reduced to a large extent the use of electric motors and controlled more tubes at one time. From Figure 5 the implementation of the electronic control system (7) is observed simultaneously to several solar panels, beginning by monitoring the temperature and hail in the panel (5), with the system (1) fully implemented in this panel. The control system 7, however, is also connected to the panels 26, 28 and 30 in order to also control the covering equipment of these panels as a function of the readings made on the last panel of the assembly. From the figure 6 the details and characteristics of the covering and protection equipments (2) are observed, these being constituted by a concave surface (31) with reflective properties, which also has an integrated cleaning system (32). This surface will be oriented towards the Sun by the microcontroller, as a solar tracking system, thus allowing to maximize the incident radiation in the zone of capture of solar radiation. The surface of the convex region (33) of the panel cover and protection system is constituted by an insulating material, so as to prevent the radiation incident on the panel from passing to the radiation receiving surface, further allowing the application of photovoltaic cells (34). ) in order to generate electricity in periods of greater solar availability and in which it is not necessary to generate thermal energy. From the figure 7 the details and characteristics of the electronic equipment of the system are observed, the temperature sensor (4) being connected to the output of the panel and the pressure sensor (35) detecting the occurrence of hail placed in the upper part of the system. panel. In this upper part are also placed photovoltaic cells 6 for feeding the electronic circuits and microcontroller installed in the electronic box 7, as well as to power the electric motors 8, 36, 37 and 38.

Covilhã, July 4, 2011 12

Claims (9)

System (1) for optimizing the efficiency, cleaning and protection of solar thermal panels, which limits the capture of solar radiation by the panel (5) based on the temperature of the fluid therein characterized by containing a set of equipment (2) of the radiation pick-up zone (3) which are activated and deactivated by the readings made by a temperature sensor (4) placed at the exit of the panel (5) or other conditions defined by the electronic controller (7) of the system, further allowing to clean the surface of the radiation collection zone (3) and to protect it through the properties of the covering equipment (2). System (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the cover equipment (2) is operated in a modular manner, depending on the temperature measurements carried out. System (1) according to claims 1 and 2, characterized in that the electric motor driven cover equipment (2) can be connected to a motor for each cover equipment (2), one motor for each two (2), or an engine for several cover equipment (2) simultaneously, using mechanical toothed wheel connections. System (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the cover equipment is controlled not only according to the temperature of the fluid inside the panel (5), but also by the time of day, orienting the concave part (31). ) of the cover equipment (2) to the Sun, by controlling the electric motors with the microcontroller. 1 System (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that it comprises a pressure sensor (35) detecting the occurrence of rain or hail and, whenever this condition is detected, activates all the covering equipment (2) of the panel (5), again deactivating these after detecting the end of the adverse weather condition. System (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that it has cover equipment (2) with a concave inner part with a reflecting surface (31). System (1) according to claims 1 and 6, characterized in that it has cover equipment (2) with a cleaning system (32) of the panels integrated in its concave inner part which, whenever the covering equipment is activated, will accompany your movement. System (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that it has cover equipment (2) with a convex outer part (33) having thermal insulation properties. System (1) according to claims 1 and 8, characterized in that it has cover equipment (2) with a convex outer part (33) with a photovoltaic cell integration system (34). Covilhã, July 4, 2011 2