With the popularization and widespread use of photovoltaic power generation technology, solar energy has played a huge role in people’s daily lives, providing great convenience for humanity. Solar cells are an energy source that can directly convert light energy into electricity without heat transfer, with advantages such as long lifespan, high reliability, cleanliness, and grid connection. However, due to the complex structure of photovoltaic power generation systems, which include components such as solar cells, batteries, inverters, and controllers, operation and maintenance are difficult. Based on this, research is conducted on the operation and maintenance of photovoltaic power generation systems, in order to solve the problems existing in the current operation and maintenance work of photovoltaic power generation systems and make certain contributions to promoting the development of photovoltaic power generation technology.
1. Overview of Photovoltaic Power Generation
At present, the world is facing an energy crisis, and the development and utilization of renewable energy has become a hot issue in the world today. The research in the field of energy in China mainly focuses on the adjustment of energy structure and the development and application of green energy. Based on this, the development level and utilization rate of solar energy have greatly improved.
Photovoltaic power generation is an efficient way of developing solar energy. Currently, photovoltaic power generation systems can be divided into two types: grid connected power generation systems and independent power generation systems. For a long time, the government has provided a large amount of financial support for the development of photovoltaic power generation, but there is a lack of sufficient attention to the operation and management of solar cells, resulting in the quality and safety of solar cells not being guaranteed. The construction, operation, and maintenance of solar panels in China have gone through four periods.
The first period was the beginning of solar panel construction, during which the size of solar panels was relatively small and the operating cost was low.
The second period was when large-scale construction of solar panels began. During this period, the construction quality of solar panels was relatively average, and there were many safety issues. Regular maintenance was necessary to ensure the normal operation of solar panels.
The third period is at the end of the 12th Five Year Plan, during which the government has placed great importance on the operating costs of power plants, and public awareness of solar cells has also changed.
The fourth period is the execution and development stage of the 13th Five Year Plan, during which people raised higher demands for solar cell technology.
2. Structure and Function of Photovoltaic Power Generation System
The function of a photovoltaic power generation system is to convert light energy into electrical energy. Reflectors and condensing lenses are essential condensing devices in the system. In addition, the system also includes structures such as photovoltaic arrays, batteries, inverters, and solar panels.
(1) The basic principle of photovoltaic arrays is to capture light energy through photovoltaic templates, thereby forming a photovoltaic effect.
(2) The function of a battery is to store and release electrical energy, in order to prevent it from being stored in large quantities or experiencing severe discharge phenomena. The system accumulates charges to both ends of the battery, allowing these charges to generate electromagnetic forces at both ends of the battery, thereby accelerating the conversion of light energy.
(3) The transformation from direct current to alternating current depends on the inverter. According to specific usage requirements, inverters can be divided into two types: sine type and square wave type. Generally speaking, sine inverters are commonly used, but they are relatively expensive.
(4) The sunlight tracking device of solar panels can maximize the energy output of the panels according to the rotation of the sun while the sunlight changes.
3. Maintenance measures for photovoltaic power generation system
3.1 Solar panels
During the long-term operation of photovoltaic power generation systems, a large amount of dust will be generated on the solar panels. The accumulated dust can have a significant impact on the operation of photovoltaic power generation systems, and the presence of dust not only hinders the absorption of solar energy, but also hinders heat conduction, and even causes spontaneous combustion of solar panels. This will cause damage to the solar panels and also result in significant economic losses. Therefore, it is necessary to regularly, meticulously, and comprehensively clean solar panels. At present, there are three main ways to clean solar panels in China.
(1) Manual cleaning, with staff using floor mops and cleaning agents for cleaning. Wiping the surface of solar panels with a mop can generate static electricity and remove dirt. But this method can cause pressure on the solar panel, causing it to bend or be damaged, and also affecting the collection of solar energy. The area covered by the mop will reduce the solar panel’s absorption of sunlight.
(2) Cleaning a pressure tap below 0.4 MPa can effectively prevent damage caused by manual cleaning. The advantage of this method is that it not only efficiently removes dust, but also avoids the problem of reduced light utilization caused by mopping.
(3) A dedicated cleaning machine for cleaning work can be purchased or rented. For example, using robots for cleaning work can not only clean the dust and debris on the surface of components, but also adjust the cleaning range and speed at any time in response to climate changes (such as snowfall). Under this intelligent operation, not only can operating costs be reduced, but it can also achieve uninterrupted work.
Solar panels are an important component of photovoltaic power generation systems, composed of glass. Regular replacement and disposal of damaged glass can also ensure the stability of the entire photovoltaic power generation system. The performance and condition of solar panels can be determined by their color changes, the integrity and distortion of the wire box.
During the maintenance process of solar panels, “hot spots” may also occur. This may be due to the accumulation of a large amount of dust or the appearance of coverage during the cleaning process, resulting in the inability of solar radiation to be concentrated and absorbed by optoelectronic devices, thereby hindering the conversion of light energy into electrical energy. To solve the problem of hot spots, the first step is to start from the source, which is to remove dust or other substances covering the solar panel. In addition, it is necessary to maintain the internal and reverse currents of the battery, or add other components to ensure its effective operation. In addition, it is also possible to increase the clearance force and increase the use of robots to remove more obstacles and reduce the occurrence of hot spots.
3.2 Battery
In the process of photovoltaic power generation, the collected solar energy is converted into electricity and then stored in batteries. For battery packs, the temperature control range is generally between 5 and 25 ℃. If the ambient temperature exceeds the set value, the air temperature adjustment method will be used; When the environment is very cold, insulation work needs to be done well. In existing solar cell power generation devices, valve regulated lead-acid batteries are the main energy storage batteries. It does not require too much maintenance work, as long as it is at a suitable temperature and regularly cleaned. Once signs of overheating are found, immediate measures must be taken. When conducting periodic inspections on batteries, staff should wear protective gear, take personal protective measures, pay attention to whether any bolts are loose, and test the power of the battery. Any problems that arise should be promptly resolved. Batteries often experience liquid leakage. When the appearance of the battery changes, it is important to address this issue as soon as possible to avoid further deterioration.
3.3 Controller and inverter
The maintenance methods for controllers and inverters in photovoltaic systems are as follows:
(1) Regularly inspect the connections between various control devices, and promptly clean the wiring terminals used for connection if they are corroded.
(2) When maintaining the inverter, it is necessary to ensure the integrity of the joint and promptly clean the dust, rust, corrosion, and other phenomena inside it.
(3) When abnormal weather occurs, appropriate emergency measures need to be taken, and attention should be paid to protecting the integrity and clarity of warning signs.
(4) To ensure the cleanliness of the converter, pay attention to the temperature of the converter station and ensure the stability of its operation.
4. Operation and maintenance issues of photovoltaic power generation systems
The photovoltaic power generation industry is a new energy industry, and its scale is constantly expanding in the current economic situation. If we blindly seek rapid development and neglect the later maintenance of the photovoltaic power generation system, it will have a serious impact on the operation of the entire system.
4.1 Insufficient technical talents
At present, the capacity of photovoltaic power generation systems is gradually increasing, but China’s photovoltaic power generation system has a relatively short development time, lacks experience, and in addition, lacks specialized technical talents, making the operation of photovoltaic power generation systems not yet keep up with the pace of developed countries. In addition, as a new type of power generation method, photovoltaic power generation system has high requirements for technical personnel, so it is necessary to provide employees with a certain degree of vocational training to cultivate their self-learning ability. For example, photovoltaic power stations in desert areas are located in remote areas, difficult to transport, and have high grid voltage, making their operation very difficult. The lack of experience in safety operations, emergency plans, and other aspects among staff, coupled with unscientific operating methods, has had a negative impact on the operation of photovoltaic power generation systems in desert areas, and in the long run, it is bound to cause economic losses.
4.2 Uncertain factors in the market
In the current market environment, the cost of solar panels and panels is declining, and panel manufacturers inevitably face losses. However, in this situation, the demand for solar cell modules is gradually increasing. This requires the state to provide some economic subsidies to ensure the stability of the photovoltaic industry and electricity prices. In addition, there are many uncertain factors that can affect the pricing of electricity, which are very unfavorable for the orderly operation of photovoltaic power generation systems. Investors in photovoltaic power generation systems should also take precautions against these uncertain factors.
5. Optimization strategy for operation and maintenance of photovoltaic power generation systems
5.1 Establishing a mechanism for the operation and maintenance of photovoltaic power generation systems
Based on the existing norms and regulations of the photovoltaic power generation industry, combined with the actual situation, a set of standard, clear, and targeted operating procedures are formulated for the operation and maintenance of photovoltaic power generation systems. Based on this, further operation and maintenance of the system are carried out, so as to enhance the sense of responsibility of photovoltaic power generation system operation and maintenance personnel and improve the rigor of operation and maintenance work.
5.2 Construction of equipment technical archives
The technical archives of the photovoltaic power generation device mainly contain some basic information of the device, such as the operating parameters and maintenance records of the photovoltaic device. The former includes technical parameters, equipment model, working principle, electrical principle, equipment operation precautions, operation process, and emergency fault handling plan, while the latter requires specialized staff to record the inspection process of power generation equipment. When safety accidents occur, it is necessary to carefully organize the data in the technical archives of photovoltaic power generation equipment and provide corresponding solutions to maximize the utilization of the functions of the technical archives of power generation equipment and provide data support for the operation of photovoltaic power generation system equipment.
5.3 Strengthen the maintenance of photovoltaic power generation system details
To improve the operational level of photovoltaic power generation systems and ensure the effectiveness of their construction, attention should be paid to detailed maintenance during the later operation of the system.
(1) The operator should check the direction of the power device, for example, the gasket device should be placed at a tilt angle towards the south.
(2) When installing the generator, attention should be paid to avoiding being obscured. It can be installed in a place with good visibility or on the top of a building to avoid being blocked by the sun’s rays.
(3) Regularly clean solar panels and inspect the working environment of various power plants, and develop targeted power plant cleaning plans. When cleaning the power station, operators are not allowed to step on the surface of the solar panel, and attention should also be paid to the protection of the solar panel during the cleaning process.
(4) Perform routine maintenance on the power unit components and prepare substitutes for easily damaged parts. If any faults are found in the power unit components, they should be replaced in a timely manner to ensure the normal operation of the power unit.
6. Conclusion
In summary, the operation and maintenance of photovoltaic power generation systems are crucial. Conducting in-depth research on their internal structure and the issues that need to be considered during the operation and maintenance process of various devices can not only significantly reduce the failure rate of photovoltaic power generation systems, but also further promote the use of photovoltaic power generation technology. It is of great significance for protecting the environment and benefiting humanity.