First place WINNER
DaVinci
2024
National
View DiplomaThermoMelt Solar system is a concept that solves the problem of cleaning snow off solar panels in winter. Studies show that solar panels produce more energy in colder temperatures as compared to hot ones, however being covered in snow or ice drastically affects their energy production.
Therefore, we decided to find a solution. Our project is more efficient than other solutions on the market because it not only uses radiation and conduction to heat the solar panel, but also convection. A 12v (low energy consumption) fan pushes heated air throughout the inside of the panel. A survival foil then directs the heat towards the cells of the solar panel. Since most solar panels are placed at about a 45 degree angle, once the surface of the solar panel becomes warm enough, the snow and ice will simply fall off.
Our solution is also completely autonomous. It uses a daylight sensor to figure out if the panel is covered with a layer of snow or not. The autonomous system only cleans the solar panel when the weather is sufficient enough to produce energy. The concept we demonstrated is also easy and cheap to implement as well as being easy to mass produce.
This project received 1st place in the 2024 national contest; Concursul National de Inovatie Technica si IT DaVinci