The field of the present disclosure relates generally to photovoltaic power generation systems, and more specifically, to photovoltaic power generation systems configured to control evaporation on top of a liquid body (e.g., water canals).
Photovoltaic arrays are devices that convert light energy into other forms of useful energy (e.g., electricity or thermal energy). One example of a photovoltaic array is a solar array that converts sunlight into electricity.
Evaporation from open channels, such as canals, streams, rivers and the like, is significant. Typically, to control evaporation, water is pumped through covered pipes. But this may be inefficient due to large power requirements to drive the pumps. Further, the pipes may be buried, which results in difficulty during maintenance of the piping due to having to uncover the piping to perform maintenance. A better system for controlling evaporation is needed.
This Background section is intended to introduce the reader to various aspects of art that may be related to various aspects of the present disclosure, which are described and/or claimed below. This discussion is believed to be helpful in providing the reader with background information to facilitate a better understanding of the various aspects of the present disclosure. Accordingly, it should be understood that these statements are to be read in this light, and not as admissions of prior art.
In one aspect, an evaporation control system for an open liquid includes a photovoltaic (PV) panel and a mounting structure for supporting the PV panel. The PV panel is connected to the mounting structure such that the PV panel covers at least a portion of the liquid.
In another aspect, a method of controlling evaporation from an open body of liquid includes positioning one or more photovoltaic (PV) panels above the liquid to cover at least a portion of the liquid.
In yet another aspect, an evaporation control system includes photovoltaic panel and a mounting structure configured to support the PV panel over a body of liquid. A moisture return is configured to collect moisture that has deposited on the PV panel and transports the collected moisture to the body of liquid.
Various refinements exist of the features noted in relation to the above-mentioned aspects. Further features may also be incorporated in the above-mentioned aspects as well. These refinements and additional features may exist individually or in any combination. For instance, various features discussed below in relation to any of the illustrated embodiments may be incorporated into any of the above-described aspects, alone or in any combination.
Referring to
Frame 104 circumscribes and supports solar panel 102. Frame 104 is coupled to solar panel 102, for example as shown in
In example embodiments, liquid 304 is a pond, lake, canal, stream, creek, river, viaduct or the like. Liquid 304 may include potable water, non-potable water, salt water, freshwater, liquid chemicals or any other liquid.
In this embodiment, support structure 302 is attached to a bank 306 of the open body of liquid 304 by footings 308. In other embodiment, footings 306 may be positioned within the liquid 304. In some embodiments, support structure 302 is made of metal, metal alloys, fiberglass, carbon fiber, plastic and the like or combinations thereof
Evaporation control system 300 includes a wind breaker 310. Wind breaker 310 is configured to limit airflow between photovoltaic module 100 and liquid 304. Wind breaker 310 thus facilitates a reduction in an amount of evaporated moisture that is carried away by wind, for example by blocking a portion of the wind and/or reducing a speed of the wind over liquid 304. Wind breaker 310 is suitably made of metal, metal alloys, fiberglass, carbon fiber, plastic and the like or combinations thereof In this embodiment, wind breaker is hingedly attached to support structure 302 by hinge 312 (shown in
In this embodiment, evaporation control system 300 includes a plurality of wind breakers 304. A first wind breaker 310 is positioned at an upstream position of the liquid 304 and a second one of the wind breakers 310 is positioned at a downstream position of the liquid 304. Other embodiments may include more or fewer wind breakers 310.
A lower portion 318 of support structure 302 is positioned at a predetermined distance D (shown in
In some embodiments, support structure 302 is configured to support one or more photovoltaic modules 100 at a nonzero angle 320 relative to a horizontal plane 322. In other embodiments, support structure 302 includes an adjustment device (not shown) configured to adjust angle 320, for example, for solar tracking.
Support structure 302 includes a walkway 324 extending along all or a part of a longitudinal length of support structure 302 or a length of support structure 302 that is angled relative to the longitudinal length. Walkway 320 is sized and configured to allow a worker to access one or more of photovoltaic modules 100, for example for maintenance operations.
Wind breaker 310 is connected to a restrictor 326 (shown in
One or more returns 332 are positioned to collect moisture that has evaporated, and collected on support structure 302 and/or photovoltaic modules 100. The return is configured to collect the moisture and transport the moisture back to liquid 304. In some embodiments, returns 332 are gutters, channels tubes, and/or any other suitable structure for directing the flow of fluid.
In some embodiments, one or more of photovoltaic modules 100 are connected to and configured to supply power to an electrical power grid (not shown).
The methods and systems described herein may facilitate controlling liquid evaporation while producing power by using photovoltaic panels. In some embodiments, evaporation is further reduced by controlling an amount of wind passing over the liquid by using a wind breaker. In other embodiments, the photovoltaic panels are located close enough to the liquid to ensure that evaporation is controlled, but at a height above the liquid that provides access for maintenance by use of a walkway.
When introducing elements of the present invention or the embodiment(s) thereof, the articles “a”, “an”, “the” and “said” are intended to mean that there are one or more of the elements. The terms “comprising”, “including” and “having” are intended to be inclusive and mean that there may be additional elements other than the listed elements.
As various changes could be made in the above apparatus and methods without departing from the scope of the disclosure, it is intended that all matter contained in the above description and shown in the accompanying figures shall be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense.
This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/565,166 filed Nov. 30, 2011, the entire disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.
Filing Document | Filing Date | Country | Kind | 371c Date |
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PCT/US2012/066739 | 11/28/2012 | WO | 00 | 5/30/2014 |
Number | Date | Country | |
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61565166 | Nov 2011 | US |