JP5541596B2 - Solar panel maintenance equipment - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a maintenance device for a solar cell device, and more particularly to a maintenance device for removing water droplets and dirt adhering to a light receiving surface of a solar cell panel.

Since solar cell devices are usually used outdoors, there are cases where leaves, sand dust, or the like accumulates on the light receiving surface of the solar cell device, thereby reducing the power generation efficiency of the solar cell device. Therefore, it is necessary to periodically clean the light receiving surface.
Water droplets remaining on the light receiving surface after a small amount of rain, in particular, cause dirt and other dirt to adhere to and accumulate on the light receiving surface, which is a problem in the maintenance of solar cell devices. Many techniques have been proposed, such as making the surface C or R, making the light-receiving surface water-repellent, or adding a photocatalyst to the glass on the light-receiving surface. However, the current situation is that the light-receiving surface is regularly cleaned manually because of the problem of sustainability.

Patent Document 1 discloses a more advanced technique for realizing the removal of water droplets that cause dirt accumulation. The technology disclosed here eliminates water droplets on the surface of the structure by providing a drainage structure that forms a drainage path using capillary action on the surface of the structure. There is a problem with the method of installing on the solar cell panel, the members constituting the installed drainage structure, and dirt adhering to the mesh of the structure, which is an obstacle to the introduction.

Furthermore, as shown in Patent Document 2, the long flexible solar cell module, which is a laminate structure, is laid out by a roll, laid, wound, and stored, so that laying and maintenance work, etc. A technique for reducing this problem has been proposed. However, flexible solar cell modules have concerns over their power generation performance and durability, and the most popular solar cell devices at present are those with a light-receiving surface made of glass panels. It is not a technology that directly solves the type of maintenance that is in progress.

Further, as shown in Patent Document 3, it is detected that the power generation amount of the solar cell device is lower than the reference value, and at this time, water is allowed to flow down to the light receiving surface of the solar cell device, or the light receiving surface of the solar cell device is There is also a conventional technique configured to clean the dirt and recover the power generation amount of the solar cell device.
However, the amount of power generation may depend on the weather, etc., and if a fixed reference value is set, operations such as washing are performed when not needed, and there is a problem that the power generation efficiency is reduced. There has been a demand for a technique that uses a reference value as a trigger for starting a maintenance operation.

Patent No. 4384235 JP-A-10-313130 JP 59-96833

It automatically removes water droplets on the light-receiving surface of the solar panel, cleans dirt, and removes deposits such as dead leaves, maintains the power generation efficiency of the solar battery power generation system using the solar panel, and ensures stable power generation over time. It is a basic problem of the present invention to provide a maintenance device that achieves over the years.

Here, the above-mentioned basic problem is sought by providing a drainage structure on the light-receiving surface, but when a drainage structure that removes water droplets on the light-receiving surface is provided, the mesh sheet that constitutes the drainage structure is distorted or deployed Due to the non-uniform tension, there is a problem that a sufficient gap is not formed between the mesh sheet and the light receiving surface, and the expected drainage effect cannot be obtained.

In addition, when there is little water on the light receiving surface, the water channel formed by the drainage structure is not sufficiently generated, and it is insufficient to wash away dust etc. on the light receiving surface. It is a problem.

In order to further improve the power generation efficiency or when maintenance is required, the mesh sheet may be accommodated / expanded, so it is also an issue to improve workability and the like related to the accommodation / expansion.

Furthermore, it is also a problem to perform maintenance work at an appropriate timing by appropriately detecting deterioration of the power generation performance due to dirt on the light receiving surface and the mesh sheet.

The invention according to claim 1 is a maintenance device for a solar cell panel,

1) A net-like sheet for covering a light-receiving surface of a desired solar cell panel, having a net structure composed of thread-like members;

2) first locking means for locking one end of the mesh sheet to the vicinity of one end of the solar cell panel;

3) Provided with a second locking means for locking the other end of the mesh sheet to the vicinity of the other end of the solar cell panel;

By locking the mesh sheet at a position substantially at the same level as the light receiving surface by the first and second locking means, and covering the light receiving surface with the mesh sheet, the light receiving surface and the thread-like member are covered. A slit is formed between the light receiving surface and a capillary channel that causes the slit to play a role as a capillary. The attached water droplets are drained , and one or both of the first and second locking means are provided with storage / expansion means, and the net-like sheet is stored or stored as needed. The sheet is taken out and spread on the light receiving surface .

By adopting such a configuration, a mesh sheet can be installed, a deteriorated mesh sheet can be easily replaced, cleaning can be performed to remove dirt on the mesh sheet, or the solar panel itself can be maintained or in good weather. There is an effect of improving the maintainability and the operation efficiency such as further improving the power generation efficiency.

According to a second aspect of the invention, the maintenance device of claim 1, wherein said storage and expansion unit is constituted by a roll mechanism, if necessary housed winding the net-like sheets, or the roll mechanism The net-like sheet accommodated in the step is unwound and spread on the light receiving surface.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the maintenance device according to the first or second aspect, the formation of the slit is further assisted by a mechanism that elastically pressurizes the mesh sheet from the outer surface to the light receiving surface. In addition, it is possible to provide pressing means for enhancing the effect of the capillary phenomenon.
By including such means as constituent elements, the gap between the thread-like member constituting the mesh sheet and the light-receiving surface is widened due to uneven tension when the mesh sheet is unfolded or distortion of the mesh sheet. Has the effect of preventing deficiency.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the maintenance device according to the third aspect , the pressing means is a pressing means that is obtained on the basis of a gap between the frames of the solar battery modules or the solar cells forming the solar battery panel. It is characterized in that the member is installed at a position to reduce the light receiving loss caused by blocking sunlight.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in the maintenance apparatus according to any one of the first to fourth aspects, the liquid is supplied onto the light receiving surface, the generation of a water channel by the capillary phenomenon is promoted, and the light reception by the water flow of the water channel It is characterized by having liquid supply means for assisting cleaning of dirt on the surface or for cooling when the solar cell becomes high temperature. By adopting such a configuration, a certain amount of water such as dead leaves adhering to the light-receiving surface is used to wash away dirt that is necessary, or the solar cell is prevented from rising in temperature and reducing power generation efficiency. Can produce an effect.

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, in the maintenance apparatus according to the fifth aspect , the liquid supply means supplies the liquid in conjunction with the operation of storing and unfolding the mesh sheet.
With such a configuration, there is an effect of causing a lubricating action between the mesh sheet and the light receiving surface and smoothing the storing and unfolding operation. Further, the mesh sheet is rubbed on the light receiving surface to remove dirt. The wiping effect can also be improved.

According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, in the maintenance device according to the fifth or sixth aspect , the liquid is a cleaning liquid.

According to an eighth aspect of the present invention, in the maintenance device according to any one of the first to seventh aspects, at least from one end of the light receiving surface between the end of the mesh sheet and the first or second locking means. A connection means having a length to the end, which suppresses the light receiving loss of the light receiving surface to be low, and connects the first locking means and the second locking means even when the mesh sheet is stored. The mesh sheet can be unfolded and stored freely by operating the storing / unfolding means as needed without maintaining and locking the locking means and releasing the locking. It is characterized by.

According to a ninth aspect of the present invention, in the maintenance apparatus according to any one of the first to eighth aspects, the mesh sheet is stored and unfolded in the vicinity of either the first or second locking means. And a sheet cleaning means for cleaning the mesh sheet.

According to a tenth aspect of the present invention, in the maintenance device according to any one of the sixth to ninth aspects, the power generation amount of the solar cell module or the solar cell constituting the solar cell panel is monitored and acquired by the monitoring operation. Comparing the real-time power generation amount of the solar cell module or solar cell with a predetermined reference value, the liquid supply, the liquid supply in conjunction with the storage / expansion operation, or the storage / expansion and the liquid supply It has a management means for controlling to automatically operate any maintenance operation selected from the interlocking operation of the sheet cleaning.
By including such a management means as a component, a maintenance operation can be performed at an appropriate timing, and at the same time, the need for manual maintenance can be kept low.

According to an eleventh aspect of the present invention, in the maintenance device according to the tenth aspect , the reference value is a light receiving surface portion selected from the light receiving surface that has undergone maintenance set separately from the maintenance operation related to the automatic operation. The estimated value of the power generation amount of the entire light receiving surface calculated from the real-time power generation amount of the solar cell module or solar cell according to the above, and comparing the reference value that is the assumed value with the real-time total power generation amount The maintenance operation is started when the total power generation amount is not within a predetermined ratio or difference range with respect to the assumed value.
Select a part of the light-receiving surface in the same environment, measure the power generation amount related to the solar cell module or cell related to the light-receiving surface part considered to be `` the best maintenance state '' by special maintenance set separately, in real time, By using that value for the calculation of the reference value, it is possible to automatically operate the light receiving surface to start a maintenance operation when the light receiving surface is significantly reduced compared to the amount of power generation expected in the current environment. There is.
In addition, since the amount of power generation expected from the real-time environment is the basis for detecting the trigger for starting maintenance, maintenance can be performed at a more desirable timing than the fixed reference value, and power generation due to causes different from maintenance such as bad weather It is possible to avoid performing an unnecessary maintenance operation when the amount decreases.

The invention according to claim 12 is the maintenance device according to claim 11 , wherein, in the comparison between the assumed value and the real-time total power generation amount, the real-time total power generation amount shows a value exceeding a predetermined ratio or difference, Instruction indicating that the selected light-receiving surface portion is an inappropriate portion for calculation of the reference value, a new light-receiving surface portion is selected, and the newly set maintenance operation should be performed on the new light-receiving surface portion Characterized in that it comprises calibration means for outputting information and calibrating the operation of the management means so as to calculate the reference value according to the amount of power generated by the solar cell module or solar cell relating to the newly selected light receiving surface portion. To do. Damage or deterioration of the solar cell module or cell is inevitable, but if the module or cell related to the light receiving surface part selected for calculating the reference value is damaged or deteriorated, the above maintenance operation Therefore, it is possible to eliminate the inappropriate light-receiving surface due to damage or the like from the selection target and select a new light-receiving surface, thereby having a calibration effect of maintaining an appropriate management operation.

Schematic configuration diagram showing hardware configuration Structure diagram of mesh sheet A gap formed between the mesh sheet and the surface of the structure A mode in which water drops form a network of water channels by capillary action and flow down to the bottom of the structure A mode in which water is drained by a plurality of water droplets adhering to the light receiving surface and a water channel formed in a mesh shape The figure which showed the connection relation of the member which concerns on a connection means, and a drum roll Appearance of maintenance devices and solar panels when storing mesh sheets Members constituting the holding guide and mesh sheet Desirable positional relationship between holding guide and solar panel Desirable positional relationship between the holding guide and the solar panel according to another aspect Overall configuration of liquid supply means Configuration of the control unit that controls the overall operation of the maintenance device Overall flowchart of control operation State data structure Lookup table for deriving reference values Maintenance operation flowchart Flow chart of calibration operation Position reference table

(Overall image)
FIG. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram showing a hardware configuration of Embodiment 1 of the present invention. The hardware elements shown in FIG. 1 are not specifically shown here, but operate under software control according to instruction information from a control unit described later.
Reticulated sheet 1001, solar cell panel 1002, first level roll 1003, first drum roll 1004, second level roll 1006, second drum roll 1007, which is housed in protective case 1005 and winds up the reticulated sheet, etc. A sheet cleaning roll 1008 for cleaning a mesh sheet housed in a case 1009, a pressing guide 1010, a liquid supply port 1011 which is one of the components of liquid supply means not shown here, and a first drum roll driving unit 1012. , The second drum roll driving unit 1013, the sheet cleaning roll driving unit 1014, and the pressing guide holding frame 1015 are illustrated.
Here, (a) is a cross-sectional view showing the overall configuration, and (b) does not show the mesh sheet 1002 covering the light receiving panel 1002, and overlaps with reference numbers “1011, 1003, 1009, 1008,” It is the expansion | deployment top view which displayed the component of "1004,1005" and "1006,1007" by shifting and expanding and isolate | separating each. The AA line shown in (b) has shown the position corresponded to the cross section of the component described in (a).
Moreover, although the solar cell panel, the guide roll, the drum roll, the liquid supply port, and the like are shown as being installed by a single holding unit that stands perpendicular to the base 1000 on a horizontal plane, like a roof of a building If it is installed on an inclined surface, the shape, inclination or number of the holding portions may be appropriately selected and installed according to the inclination of the base. In the present invention, the method of holding the constituent elements is not limited to that shown in this embodiment, and the constituent elements can be appropriately installed.

Reference numeral 1001 denotes a net-like sheet that covers the light receiving surface of the solar cell device panel 1002. The net-like sheet forms a net structure composed of thread-like members as shown in FIG. When attention is paid between the thread-like member and the light receiving surface, a slit is formed between the thread-like member and the light receiving surface, and the slit is formed on the light receiving surface along the mesh structure. As will be described in the next paragraph, this slit serves as a water channel for draining rainwater adhering to the light receiving surface and functions to eliminate water droplets.

Here, the drainage structure used for the maintenance of the present invention will be briefly described. Details are described in Patent Document 1 by the present inventor.
FIG. 3 is an enlarged view showing a gap formed on the surface of the mesh sheet and the structure.
It is the image figure which expanded the cross section shown with the broken line AB, and the cross section shown with the broken line CD. Reference numeral 3001 denotes a structure, which corresponds to the solar cell panel of the present invention. Reference numerals 3002 and 3003 denote thread-like members constituting a mesh sheet, which are fixed to the surface of the structure 3001 with a small gap. The distance between the thread-like member and the surface of the structure is desirably 1 mm or less, and the capillary phenomenon is more strongly exhibited as the distance is narrower. Further, the material of the thread-like member has a property of getting wet to some extent, and there is no problem unless it is extremely water-repellent or hydrophilic, and the water-repellent / hydrophilic property of the same level as the surface of the structure is desirable. According to the experiment conducted by the inventor of the present application, a commercially available synthetic resin-made net-like sheet exhibits a sufficient effect for a normal glass surface.

In FIG. 4, one water droplet 4001 attached to the surface of a structure having a drainage structure forms a mesh-like water channel 4003 by capillary action caused by a gap formed on the surface of the mesh sheet and the structure, The mode which flows down to the lower part of a structure is shown. An arrow line 4002 indicated by a solid line represents the flow as an image.
FIG. 5 is an image diagram showing a state in which water is drained by a plurality of water droplets attached to the light receiving surface of the solar cell panel and a water channel formed in a mesh shape. The solar cell panel is generally installed with an inclination in order to increase the light receiving efficiency, and is an image when it is inclined from the right hand to the left hand in the drawing. As shown here, the direction of movement of moisture is the direction of gravity itself, but a mesh-like water channel formed by capillary action is formed in the same way regardless of whether the installation surface is parallel or concave. Therefore, if a drain port is provided in the solar cell panel so as to be in contact with some part of the mesh sheet, moisture moves toward the drain port. Alternatively, if a part of the mesh sheet is extended to the side of the structure, the siphon action is activated, and the water is drained to the lower end of the mesh sheet.

(First locking means)
Returning to the description of the maintenance apparatus according to the embodiment.
Reference numeral 1003 denotes a first level roll which is adjusted and installed so as to freely rotate and maintain a predetermined positional relationship with the solar panel. The outer peripheral surface is adjusted to be substantially the same as the light receiving surface of the solar cell panel 1002 and is held at a position so as to form a slit between the mesh sheet and the light receiving surface. Here, a level roll position adjustment mechanism is provided to set the clearance between the mesh sheet and the light receiving surface in a stepwise manner in order to form an appropriate slit to cause capillary action and to store and deploy the mesh sheet. Then, there is a convenience that the drainage function can be easily adjusted and the storage / deployment operation can be facilitated.
Reference numeral 1004 denotes a first drum roll, which is connected to the end of the mesh sheet. The first drum roll winds and unwinds the mesh sheet by its rotating operation, stores and unfolds the mesh sheet, applies appropriate tension to the mesh sheet, and promotes and maintains the formation of the slits. The mechanism is driven by a first drum roll driving unit 1012 configured by an electric motor or the like.
The first level roll and the first drum roll function as a first locking means in cooperation.

(Second locking means)
Reference numeral 1006 denotes a second level roll, which is adjusted and installed so as to freely rotate and maintain a predetermined positional relationship with the solar panel. The outer peripheral surface is adjusted to be substantially the same as the light receiving surface of the solar cell panel 1002 and is held at a position so as to form a slit between the mesh sheet and the light receiving surface. If there is an adjustment mechanism that can set the clearance between the mesh sheet and the light-receiving surface step by step to form an appropriate slit, or to store and unfold the mesh sheet, the drainage function can be adjusted and stored. There is a convenience that the unfolding operation can be facilitated.
Reference numeral 1007 denotes a second drum roll, which is connected to the end portion of the mesh sheet through connection means (not shown). The second drum roll is interlocked with the operation of the first drum roll, winds and unwinds the mesh sheet by its rotating operation, stores and unfolds the mesh sheet, and gives the mesh sheet an appropriate tension. It is a mechanism that operates to promote and maintain the formation of slits, and is driven by a second drum roll driving unit 1013 that includes an electric motor or the like.
The second level roll and the second drum roll cooperate to play a role as second locking means, and further, the first and second locking means are control means not specifically shown here. Control and control of the storage, unfolding, and the operation of properly forming the drainage structure. The maintenance operation performed in cooperation will be described in detail later in the description of the control unit.

(Sheet cleaning means)
Reference numeral 1008 denotes a sheet cleaning roll, which is held in the vicinity of the first drum roll, and is a net-like sheet that is moved by a maintenance operation performed in cooperation with the first locking means and the second locking means. And clean the dirt by rotating. Although not particularly shown here, a cleaning effect can be obtained by providing a mechanism for spraying a cleaning liquid onto a sheet cleaning roll or a mesh sheet portion to be cleaned and promoting the sheet cleaning.
The sheet cleaning roll is made of, for example, nylon, vinyl chloride, or a relatively soft material such as pig or horse hair, which is radially planted on a cylindrical roll made of metal, and its circumferential tip is It arrange | positions so that the surface of a reticulated sheet may be contacted.
The sheet cleaning roll is driven by a cleaning roll driving unit 1014 configured by an electric motor or the like, and this operation is also controlled in conjunction with the operation of the first or second drum roll. is there.

(Connection means)
FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a connection relationship between members and drum rolls related to the connection means mentioned in the description of the second drum roll. Here, only the members constituting the connecting means and the joining portion and the drum roll related to joining are extracted and shown, and the other components are not shown.
Reference numeral 6001 denotes a string-like member. One of the string-like members is joined to one end of the net-like sheet 1001 at a joining portion indicated by 6002, and the other is joined to the second drum roll 1007 at a joining portion indicated by 6003. The other end of the mesh sheet is directly connected to the first drum roll 1004.
FIG. 7 is a diagram showing the appearance of the maintenance device and the solar panel 1002 when the mesh sheet is stored. Without releasing the connection between the first drum roll 1004 and the second drum roll 1007, the string-like member 6001 constituting the connection means is unfolded and remains on the light receiving surface of the solar cell panel 1002. Since it has a string shape, the area for blocking sunlight on the light receiving surface is small and the light receiving surface can be substantially released. When the mesh sheet is developed on the light receiving surface, the first drum roll and the second drum roll are rotated in synchronism with each other so that the string-like member is wound around the second drum roll and wound around the first drum roll. By pulling out the reticulated mesh sheet, it can be quickly and easily developed on the light receiving surface. In the case of setting up a long net-like sheet, or in the case of a net-like sheet composed of thread-like members that are thin (1 cm or less in diameter and 1 mm or less when applied to a small solar cell panel) in order to suppress light receiving loss, the net-like sheet Joining the end portions so as not to cause twisting, distortion, or entanglement is a laborious operation, and the introduction of a mechanism for maintaining such a connection has an effect of improving work efficiency.
The operation of storing and re-deploying appropriately according to the weather and the need for cleaning can be performed by omitting the work related to joining and unbonding, so that it is very efficient in daily maintenance. As the string-like member, a weather-resistant member that is flexible and has a tensile strength corresponding to the size and material of the net-like sheet may be appropriately selected.

(Pressing means)
The members constituting the pressing guide 1010 and the mesh sheet 1001 are shown in an enlarged manner in FIG. The pressing guide includes a spring 8001 and a pressure head 8002, and is held by a pressing guide holding frame 1015 for holding the pressing guide at an appropriate position with respect to the mesh sheet.
When the pressure head 8002 pressed by an elastic member such as the spring 8001 employed here contacts and presses the mesh sheet 1001, the mesh sheet is guided on substantially the same plane as the light receiving surface.
In the holding guide holding frame 1015, a holding position adjusting mechanism (not shown) that adjusts the holding position of the holding guide in order to appropriately form the slits described above or to smoothly move the mesh sheet by a maintenance operation. Shall be provided. Thus, a convenient maintenance device can be obtained.
Although not particularly illustrated here, the holding guide holding frame 1015 may be appropriately fixed to the side surface of the solar cell panel, the support portion of the solar cell panel, or the ground or roof serving as a base.

FIG. 9 is a view showing a desirable positional relationship between the pressing guide 1010 and the solar cell panel. The solar battery can be composed of a plurality of solar battery cells, and the solar battery cells 9001 are arranged at a predetermined interval 9002 on the light receiving surface of the solar battery panel 1002 as shown in the figure. Here, by appropriately adjusting a holding frame (not shown) so that the shadow of the pressing guide 1010 overlaps the interval 9002, it is possible to reduce the light receiving loss of sunlight that contributes to power generation.

FIG. 10 is a view showing a desirable positional relationship between the pressing guide and the solar cell panel according to another aspect of the present embodiment. The light receiving surface of the relatively large size solar cell panel 10001 is configured by appropriately combining the solar cell modules 10002, and each solar cell module has a frame portion 10003. Here, by appropriately adjusting a holding guide holding frame (not shown) and adjusting the shadow of the holding guide 1010 to overlap the frame portion 10003, it is possible to reduce the light reception loss of sunlight that contributes to power generation. .

(Liquid supply means)
FIG. 11 shows the entire configuration of the liquid supply means in which only the liquid supply port 1011 is shown in FIG. Here, components that are not directly related to liquid supply such as guide rolls and drum rolls are omitted.
Liquid storage tank 11001, pump 11002, conduit 11003 for guiding the liquid to the liquid supply port 1011, liquid recovery unit 11004 for recovering the used liquid, filter unit 11005 for reactivating the used liquid to remove it, heat of the solar cell panel A radiator unit 11006 that cools the liquid that has absorbed and heated, and a liquid supply control unit 11007 that functions as a part of a control unit that constitutes a control unit described later.
The liquid is pumped up from the liquid storage tank 11001 by the pump 11002 and supplied to the liquid supply port 1011 through the conduit 11003. The liquid supplied to the liquid supply port flows on the light receiving surface of the solar cell panel 1002 as indicated by an arrow and falls to the liquid recovery unit 11004. The liquid that has fallen on the liquid recovery section is removed of dirt by the filter section 11005, cooled by the radiator section 11006, and recovered again by the liquid storage tank 11001. Thus, during operation, the liquid is circulated in the above-described cycle, and the solar cell panel 1002 operates for maintenance such as cooling and cleaning. In this case, the pump 11002 and the like detect the state of the solar cell panel, generate determination information by a predetermined calculation, and transmit the instruction information to the above-described components so as to perform the planned operation set for each determination information. The operation is controlled by the liquid supply control unit 11007. The liquid supply control unit is embodied as one of functions by an operation performed by a control unit constituting a control unit described below in cooperation with each functional block.

FIG. 12 is a functional block diagram showing the configuration of a control unit 12000 that controls the overall operation of the maintenance apparatus of the present embodiment not shown in FIG. The control unit 12000 controls the rotation operation of the first drum roll 1003, the second drum roll 1006, and the sheet cleaning roll 1008, the pressing guide position adjustment operation of the holding frame 1015, and the operation of components such as the pump 11002 of the liquid supply means. Is.
The operation of each functional block in the following description is realized by executing a prepared program on a computer such as a personal computer or workstation equipped with an interface such as a monitor, a keyboard, and a mouse, and controlling various devices. . These programs are recorded on a computer-readable recording medium such as a hard disk, USB memory, CD-ROM, MO, DVD, etc., read out from the recording medium by a computer, and operated by a system user. Executed.

Reference numeral 12001 denotes a state data acquisition unit, which is connected to state sensors 12002 to 12005 provided for each solar battery cell or solar battery module constituting the solar battery panel, and acquires a real-time power generation amount.
Reference numeral 12002 denotes a state sensor having an ID of “1” among a plurality of solar cells. Similarly, 12003 is a state sensor according to “2”, 12004 is related to “3”, and n cells. If there is, status data from the sensors up to ID “n” indicated by 12005 is acquired.
Depending on the size of the solar panel and the convenience of management, it is possible to provide a state sensor not for each cell but for each module or for each block made up of a plurality of modules as a method of managing the blocks collectively. The state acquisition is not limited to this embodiment.
Here, the power generation amount is acquired as the state data. However, for example, when the solar cell panel is cooled by supplying a liquid, a real-time panel temperature may be acquired as the state information.

Reference numeral 12006 denotes a storage unit, which is set for each of predetermined condition, acquired state data, calculated reference value, a reference table of planned operation information set for each judgment information calculated from the acquired state data Stores a reference table of notification information.
Reference numeral 12007 denotes an operation determination unit, which calculates a total power generation amount and a reference value in real time from state data acquired at a predetermined timing, as shown in an operation determination flow described later. Judgment information that is determined by the presence / absence and number of maintenance operations is generated, and instruction information is generated for components such as drum rolls and sheet cleaning rolls based on planned maintenance operation information set for each determination information, and operation instructions are generated. The information is transmitted from the unit 12009, and the maintenance operation is performed in cooperation with each component.
A calibration determination unit 12008 determines the appropriateness of the generation of the reference value for the above operation determination according to a calibration flow described later, and resets a selection portion or the like selected for generating the reference value. Is.
Reference numeral 12009 denotes an operation instruction unit which transmits the instruction information generated by the operation determination unit 12007 to the corresponding component and controls the operation.
Reference numeral 12010 denotes a notification unit that notifies the administrator of the maintenance apparatus of this embodiment of notification information described later in a maintenance operation or a calibration operation described later. Here, the notification is to write and send notification information to a preset administrator address based on a predetermined format. Here, e-mail transmission is adopted as the notification. However, as long as it meets the purpose of the present invention, it is not limited to this, and the notification information is output to a monitor or the like monitored by the administrator or output by voice. Etc. can be adopted as appropriate.

FIG. 13 is a flowchart for explaining the outline of the entire control operation.
It is the flow which showed.
When the maintenance device of this embodiment is introduced into a desired solar battery panel and maintenance is started, first, in the state data acquisition step 13001, the state acquisition unit acquires the solar panel state data, and the storage unit 12006 is stored. After the start, after the end of a predetermined maintenance operation or calibration operation or after the acquisition of the previous state data, the step 13001 is started at a preset time interval or set time, and the control operation described below is repeated. is there.

In the determination step 13002, the operation determination unit 1200 calculates the total power generation amount of the currently operating solar cell from the acquired state data, and selects the reference generation for which maintenance is separately performed among the solar cell panels. The value of 80% of the total power generation expected from the solar cells related to the light-receiving surface portion is calculated as a reference value and compared with the real-time total power generation value. Maintenance determination information that “maintenance operation is required” is generated. On the other hand, when the reference value is exceeded, determination information that “maintenance operation is unnecessary” is generated, and compared with 100% of the expected total power generation amount, whether the selected solar cell is suitable for the reference, that is, Produce calibration judgment information “whether calibration is necessary”. If the real-time total power generation amount is higher than the expected total power generation amount, the standard solar cell is expected to deteriorate, so the information “Calibration is necessary” is generated and has not reached 100%. If there is, information that “proofreading is unnecessary” is generated.

FIG. 14 is a conceptual diagram illustrating a storage structure in the storage unit 12006 for acquired state data. Here, “n = 6”, that is, the power generation amount acquired for a total of six solar cells.
FIG. 15 is a reference table storing a calculation formula for calculating the total power generation amount and the reference value necessary for the comparison. The operation determination unit 12007 calculates the total power generation amount and the reference value with reference to the calculation formulas 15001 and 15002. The reference cell indicated by 15003 can be searched by the calibration operation and can be changed in real time. The value of n shown in 15004 is the number of solar cells to be managed.
The solar cells are identified and managed from 1 to 6 according to the ID, and are stored in corresponding items (d1, d2, d3, d4, d5, d6) that are the power generation amounts of the respective solar cells, which are the acquired state data. ing. Here, the cell of ID = 3 having the value of “1” as the reference cell item is the solar cell related to the light receiving surface portion selected. Therefore, as indicated by 15004, since the reference cell has ID = 3, the reference value D (k) here is calculated as D (3) = (d3 × 6) × 80%. D (k). As indicated by 15002, the total power generation amount SD is the sum from d1 to d6. If D (k)> SD, the standard is not reached, and it is determined that “maintenance operation is necessary”.
The calculation formula for extracting the reference value for judgment shown here is merely an example of the reference value of the present invention, and a method for comparing the total power generation amount acquired in real time with the reference value derived from the real-time power generation amount of the reference cell. If so, it can be adopted as appropriate. In addition, here, the power generation amount sensor is installed for all the solar cells, and each power generation amount is added. However, the total power generation amount is monitored by monitoring the power generation amount from the solar cell device. A method may be used in which only the sensor associated with the reference cell is turned on, with the amount of power generation. Power consumed for monitoring can be saved.

In the branch step 13003, if the maintenance judgment information is “maintenance operation is required”, the operation is the maintenance operation step 13004. After the maintenance operation described later, the control operation from the start step is repeated. Details will be described later. On the other hand, if the determination information is “no maintenance operation required”, the process further proceeds to branch step 13005.

In the branch step 13005, when D (k) <SD, the calibration determination information becomes “calibration is necessary”, the process proceeds to the calibration operation step 13006, and the control operation from the start step is performed after the calibration operation described later is completed. repeat. On the other hand, if “calibration is not required”, the process returns to the start step and the control operation is repeated at a predetermined timing.

FIG. 16 is a flowchart of the maintenance operation. When it is determined that “maintenance is required” in the control operation, the operation is started.
First, the liquid supply step 16001 starts. This is the first maintenance operation. The supply of liquid promotes the generation of water channels due to capillary action, and the dirt is washed away. The liquid supplied here is a cleaning liquid.
16002 is a power generation amount acquisition determination step, in which new state data is acquired, the total power generation amount after supplying the liquid and the reference value are recalculated, and whether or not maintenance is necessary is determined in the same manner as described above. Generate information. In branching step 16003, if the judgment information is “no maintenance operation required”, the maintenance operation ends and the normal control operation shown in FIG. 13 is resumed.
On the other hand, if the determination information is “maintenance operation is required”, the process proceeds to the liquid supply / storage step 16005 as the first half of the second maintenance operation. In the second maintenance operation, first, in synchronization with the liquid supply, the mesh sheet is stored by the rotation of the first drum roll and the second drum roll. Here, the liquid supply and the drum roll storing operation are described, but the second maintenance operation of the present invention is not limited to this, and the operation of the sheet cleaning roll may be further linked.
Next, the power generation amount acquisition determination step 16006 is performed, and new state data is acquired, the total power generation amount and the reference value are recalculated, and determination information is generated in the same manner as the above-described determination as to whether maintenance is necessary. .
In branching step 16007, if the judgment information is “maintenance operation is required”, the second maintenance operation ends here, and in step 16008, a panel abnormality is notified. The notification is performed by sending an e-mail in which the possibility of panel abnormality is described in a predetermined format at a preset administrator's e-mail address.
On the other hand, if the determination information is “no maintenance operation is required”, the process proceeds to the liquid supply / development step 16009 as the second half of the second maintenance operation. Here, while the liquid is supplied in order to smoothly perform the operation of expanding the mesh sheet, the mesh sheet is expanded by the rotation of the first drum roll and the second drum roll in conjunction with this.
Here, the process proceeds to the third power generation amount acquisition determination step 16010. State data is newly acquired, the total power generation amount and the reference value are recalculated, and determination information is generated in the same manner as the determination described above as to whether maintenance is necessary.
In branching step 16011, if the judgment information is “maintenance operation is required”, in step 16012, a sheet abnormality is notified. The notification is performed by sending an e-mail indicating that there is a possibility of abnormality in the mesh sheet in a predetermined format at the e-mail address of the administrator set in advance.
On the other hand, if the determination information is “no maintenance operation required”, the maintenance operation ends normally and returns to the normal control operation shown in FIG.

(Calibration operation)
FIG. 17 is a flowchart of the calibration operation. When it is determined that “calibration is necessary” in the control operation, the operation is started. First, in step 17001, the solar battery cell with the largest amount of power generation is searched. The search is performed by comparing the power generation amount for each cell stored in the storage unit 12006. Here, although the calibration operation is proceeding with the search target solar cell as the cell with the largest amount of power generation, it is also possible to search for a solar cell having a median value. The search for a new reference cell in the calibration operation according to the present invention is not limited to the method of the present embodiment, as long as it is a method for selecting an appropriate cell from the viewpoint of being a reference from the state data of the solar battery cell acquired in real time. Good.
Next, in step 17002, information relating to the searched cell is acquired. In addition to the ID information of the reference cell, the position information of the light receiving surface related to the reference cell is acquired from the position reference table. FIG. 18 is a position reference table for each photovoltaic cell stored in the storage unit 12006, which is a small section that divides the light receiving surface of the battery panel set by the administrator on the grid, and is divided into the divided sections. A number and a column number are given, and are shown in the form of (row number, column number).
In step 17003, the acquired cell information is notified to the administrator. The notification is information for performing separate maintenance to keep the light receiving surface portion related to the reference cell in a “good state”, and the administrator newly sets the light receiving surface portion to be separately maintained based on this information. To do.
In step 17004, a cell related to the reference value is set. In the setting, the value related to the “reference cell item” in FIG. 14 is changed from “1” to “0” for the cell that was the original reference cell, and the value of the cell that becomes the new reference cell is changed from “0” to “1”. The setting is changed by changing to, and registered in the storage unit 12006. With this change, the value of “k” referred to in the derivation formula shown in FIG. 15 is also changed, and the calibration is completed.

As described above, even if a solar cell that has been used to derive a reference value due to trouble, etc. stops functioning, maintenance is performed by automatically detecting and searching for an appropriate reference cell and resetting it. The operation of the apparatus can be kept appropriate.

By introducing the solar cell panel maintenance apparatus described here, it is possible to prevent adhesion of water droplets due to rain and to prevent dirt from being deposited. The maintenance device according to the present invention can be incorporated into various types of large and small types of solar power generation devices, and can be used in various systems using solar cells.

1001 Reticulated sheet 1002 Solar panel 1003 First guide roll 1004 First drum roll 1005 Second guide roll 1006 Second drum roll 1010 Holding guide 1011 Liquid supply port

Claims (12)

A maintenance device for solar cell panels,

1) A net-like sheet for covering a light-receiving surface of a desired solar cell panel, having a net structure composed of thread-like members;

2) first locking means for locking one end of the mesh sheet to the vicinity of one end of the solar cell panel;

3) Provided with a second locking means for locking the other end of the mesh sheet to the vicinity of the other end of the solar cell panel;

By locking the mesh sheet at a position substantially at the same level as the light receiving surface by the first and second locking means, and covering the light receiving surface with the mesh sheet, the light receiving surface and the thread-like member are covered. A slit is formed between the light receiving surface and a capillary channel that causes the slit to play a role as a capillary. The attached water droplets are drained , and one or both of the first and second locking means are provided with storage / expansion means, and the net-like sheet is stored or stored as needed. A maintenance device, wherein a sheet is taken out and developed on the light receiving surface .

The storage / development means is composed of a roll mechanism, and winds and stores the mesh sheet as needed, or unwinds the mesh sheet stored by the roll mechanism and deploys it on the light receiving surface. The maintenance device according to claim 1 , wherein
Claim 1 or Claim 2, further comprising pressing means for assisting the formation of the slit and enhancing the effect of the capillary phenomenon by a mechanism that elastically pressurizes the mesh sheet from the outer surface to the light receiving surface side. The maintenance device according to item 2 .

The pressing means is installed at a position where a member related to the pressing means is required to reduce the light receiving loss due to blocking sunlight, which is obtained on the basis of the gap of the solar cell module frame or solar cells forming the solar battery panel. The maintenance device according to claim 3 , wherein the maintenance device is a device.

Liquid that supplies liquid onto the light-receiving surface, promotes the generation of water channels by the capillary phenomenon, assists cleaning of dirt on the light-receiving surface due to water flow in the water channels, and cools the solar cell when the temperature becomes high The maintenance device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, further comprising supply means.

6. The maintenance apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the liquid supply means supplies liquid in conjunction with the operation of storing and unfolding the mesh sheet.

The maintenance device according to claim 5 or 6 , wherein the liquid is a cleaning liquid.

Between the end of the mesh sheet and the first or second locking means, at least a length from one end to the other end of the light receiving surface, comprising connection means for reducing the light receiving loss of the light receiving surface, Even when the mesh sheet is stored, maintaining the connection between the first locking means and the second locking means, without performing the operation of locking the locking means, releasing the locking, maintenance device according to any optionally of claims paragraphs 1 through 7, wherein, characterized in that it is possible to perform freely expand and storage of the net-like sheets by operating the storage and deployment means .

Claims characterized in that sheet cleaning means is provided in the vicinity of either the first or second locking means for performing the operation of cleaning the mesh sheet in conjunction with the storing and unfolding operation of the mesh sheet. The maintenance device according to any one of ranges 1 to 8 .

Monitor the power generation amount of the solar cell module or solar cell constituting the solar cell panel, and compare the real-time power generation amount of the solar cell module or solar cell acquired by the monitoring operation with a predetermined reference value, Management for controlling to automatically operate any one of the maintenance operations selected from the liquid supply, the liquid supply in conjunction with the storage / development operation, or the interlocking operation of the storage / development, the liquid supply and the sheet cleaning. The maintenance device according to any one of claims 6 to 9, further comprising means.

The reference value is calculated from a real-time power generation amount related to the solar cell module or the solar cell related to the light receiving surface portion selected from the light receiving surface, which has undergone maintenance set separately from the maintenance operation related to the automatic operation. A reference value that is the assumed value and a real-time total power generation amount, and the total power generation amount is a predetermined ratio or difference with respect to the assumed value. The maintenance apparatus according to claim 10 , wherein the maintenance operation is started when it is not within the range.

In the comparison between the estimated value and the real-time total power generation amount, when the real-time total power generation amount shows a value exceeding a predetermined ratio or difference, the selected light receiving surface portion is a portion inappropriate for the calculation of the reference value. The solar cell module according to the newly selected light receiving surface portion is selected, outputs the instruction information indicating that the separately set maintenance operation should be performed on the new light receiving surface portion. The maintenance device according to claim 11 , further comprising a calibration unit that calibrates the operation of the management unit so as to calculate the reference value based on the amount of power generated by the solar battery cell.