Description:FIELD OF INVENTION
[001] The field of invention generally relates to solar modules. More specifically, it relates to a corrosion monitoring system for solar module mounting structure.

BACKGROUND
[002] Monitoring the structural integrity of photovoltaic (PV) mounting structure in solar sites is crucial for maintaining their efficiency and longevity. Corrosion of metal structures and staining of solar panel glass can significantly degrade the performance, further requiring regular assessment of components affecting the performance of the solar module.
[003] Conventionally, monitoring the solar module was done manually by collecting samples from performance degrading components and performing tests in the laboratory, which is an offline and time-consuming process. Further, this solution requires specialized personnel, proper handling of samples, and complex chemical analysis to determine the extent of corrosion and contamination, leading to delays in detecting and addressing potential issues.
[004] Further, conventional solutions led to inefficient large-scale solar installations due to their limitations. The lack of continuous monitoring increases the risk of unexpected structural failures, leading to costly repairs and potential disruptions in energy generation.
[005] Another conventional solution discloses an early warning system that integrates water quality and video monitoring for real-time tracking and early warnings. However, it focuses only on water monitoring and lacks considering other parameters such as structural corrosion monitoring, which are also crucial for comprehensive environmental management.
[006] Another conventional solution discloses an IoT-based system for real-time monitoring of air and water quality using sensors and microcontrollers. However, this solution does not disclose the structural corrosion or other environmental factors important for monitoring PV solar sites.
[007] Other existing systems have tried to address this problem. However, their scope was limited to monitoring only specific environmental factors, such as either air quality or water quality, without integrating structural corrosion or providing real-time data for comprehensive environmental management.
[008] Thus, in light of the above discussion, it is implied that there is need for a corrosion monitoring system for solar module mounting structures, which is reliable and does not suffer from the problems discussed above.
 
OBJECT OF INVENTION
[009] The principle object of this invention is to provide a corrosion monitoring system for solar module mounting structure.
[0010] A further object of the invention is to detect corrosion causing elements on solar panels and predict corrosion rates of various metals used in PV solar sites.
[0011] Another object of the invention is to measure water parameters using submerged sensors positioned in a water collector unit and a water reservoir unit, wherein the submerged sensors collect pH, salinity, turbidity, TDS, humidity, and temperature data that continuously record and communicate these factors for analysis to improve the performance of the solar PV modules.
[0012] Another object of the invention is to measure air parameters using the sensors positioned surrounding the solar modules, wherein the sensors collect weather data, Sulphur oxide data, humidity data, temperature and wind data that continuously monitor these factors and is further used for analysis to improve the performance of the solar PV modules.
[0013] Another object of the invention is to monitor and predict corrosion rates, ability to distinguish between airborne and waterborne contamination, and prevent corrosion damage to metal structures of the solar modules.
[0014] Another object of the invention is to measure and identify corrosion rates, and provide early warnings for corrective actions, which ultimately improves the longevity and efficiency of solar installations.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF FIGURES
[0015] This invention is illustrated in the accompanying drawings, throughout which, like reference letters indicate corresponding parts in the various figures.
[0016] The embodiments herein will be better understood from the following description with reference to the drawings, in which:
[0017] Fig. 1 depicts/ illustrates an environment of a corrosion monitoring system for a solar module mounting structure, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;
[0018] Fig. 2 depicts/ illustrates a block diagram of components of submerged sensor unit, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;
[0019] Fig. 3 depicts/ illustrates a block diagram of components of an external sensor unit, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;
[0020] Fig. 4 depicts/ illustrates a block diagram of components of a corrosion analytics platform, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;
[0021] Fig. 5 depicts/ illustrates an exemplary corrosion monitoring system for solar module mounting structure, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure; and
[0022] Fig. 6 depicts/ illustrates a method for corrosion monitoring system for solar module mounting structure, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

STATEMENT OF INVENTION
[0023] The present invention discloses a corrosion monitoring system for a photo voltaic (PV) module, comprising at least one collector unit operably attached near a bottom slope of at least one solar Photo Voltaic (PV) module to collect run-down water from a surface of the solar Photo Voltaic (PV) module, the submerged sensor unit comprised in the collector unit to record and communicate first water parameters of the run-down water, at least one water reservoir unit operably attached to the solar Photo Voltaic (PV) module to store water for cleaning the solar Photo Voltaic (PV) module, a submerged sensor unit comprised in the water reservoir unit to record and communicate second water parameters of the stored clean water, at least one external sensor unit positioned near the water reservoir unit to record and communicate air parameters, a data collection module configured to receive and transmit the first water parameters, second water parameters, and the air parameters to a corrosion analytic platform, and the corrosion analytic platform configured to process the water parameters and the air parameters to monitor corrosion rates of the solar module mounting structure
[0024] The method for corrosion monitoring system for solar module mounting structure comprising collecting run-down water from a surface of the solar Photo Voltaic (PV) module by using a collector unit, recording and communicating first water parameters of the run-down water by using a submerged sensor unit comprised in the collector unit, recording and communicating second water parameters of the stored clean water by using a submerged sensor unit comprised in the water reservoir unit, recording and communicating air parameters by using at least one external sensor unit positioned near the water reservoir unit, receiving and transmitting the first water parameters, second water parameters, and the air parameters to a corrosion analytic platform by using a data collection unit, and processing the water parameters and the air parameters to monitor corrosion rates of the solar module mounting structure by using the corrosion analytic platform.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0025] The embodiments herein and the various features and advantageous details thereof are explained more fully with reference to the non-limiting embodiments that are illustrated in the accompanying drawings and/or detailed in the following description. Descriptions of well-known components and processing techniques are omitted so as to not unnecessarily obscure the embodiments herein. The examples used herein are intended merely to facilitate an understanding of ways in which the embodiments herein may be practiced and to further enable those of skill in the art to practice the embodiments herein. Accordingly, the examples should not be construed as limiting the scope of the embodiments herein.
[0026] The present invention discloses a corrosion monitoring system for solar module mounting structure. Further, the corrosion monitoring system comprises sensors to collect air and water parameters to detect potential sources of corrosion and glass staining on solar modules. The sensors record and measure parameters such as pH, TDS, salinity, SO₂, humidity, wind speed etc. Further, by comparing air parameters and water parameters, the system determines whether contaminants are present in an air or water source. Further, the air and water parameters are sent to a remote analysis platform to process and analyze as per ISO standards and are displayed on a cloud-based dashboard for real-time corrosion risk alerts and maintenance insights.
[0027] The present invention offers several advantages over existing methods. The invention provides early warnings to prevent solar mounted structures from getting corroded, thereby increasing the life of solar module mounting structure. Additionally, it provides corrective measurement actions to avoid corrosion enables the PV module to provide stable power output, minimizes unscheduled downtimes, and enables remote diagnostics.
[0028] Fig. 1 depicts/ illustrates an environment comprising a corrosion monitoring system for solar module mounting structure, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0029] The system 100 comprises at least one solar Photo Voltaic (PV) module 104, at least one collector unit 106, a submerged sensor unit 108/1, 108/2, at least one water reservoir unit 110, at least one external sensor unit 112, a data collection module 102, a communication network 114 and a corrosion analytic platform 116.
[0030] The solar photo voltaic (PV) module 104 comprises at least one solar panel which needs to be maintained periodically to prevent corrosion to the solar mounting structure.
[0031] Further, the collector unit 106 is operably attached near a bottom slope of at least one solar Photo Voltaic (PV) module 104. The collector unit 106 is configured to collect run-down water from the surface of the solar Photo Voltaic (PV) module 104.
[0032] Further, the submerged sensor unit 108/1 is comprised in the collector unit 106. The submerged sensor unit 108/1 is configured to record and communicate first water parameters of the run-down water. The first water parameters comprise at least one of first chloride level, first acidity or alkalinity, first salinity, first turbidity, first Total Dissolved Solids (TDS), first water conductivity and first water level.
[0033] Further, the water reservoir 110 is operably attached to the solar Photo Voltaic (PV) module 104 to store water for cleaning the solar Photo Voltaic (PV) module 104.
[0034] The submerged sensor unit 108/2 is comprised in the water reservoir 110 to record and communicate second water parameters of the stored clean water. The second water parameters comprise at least one of second chloride level, second acidity or alkalinity, second salinity, second turbidity, second Total Dissolved Solids (TDS), second water conductivity and second water level.
[0035] In an embodiment, the system 100 comprises the at least one external sensor unit 112 positioned near the water reservoir unit 110 to record and communicate air parameters, wherein the air parameters comprise at least one of weather data, Sulphur data, humidity data, temperature data, and wind speed and direction.
[0036] In an embodiment, the system 100 comprises the data collection module 102 configured to receive and transmit the first water parameters, second water parameter and air parameters to the corrosion analytics platform 116 via the communication network 114. The corrosion analytics platform 116 is accessible through the at least one user device. Furthermore, the corrosion analytic platform 116 is configured to process the water parameters and the air parameters to monitor the corrosion rates for solar module mounting structure.
[0037] In an embodiment, one skilled in the art may recognize that the communication network 114 may be a wired communication network or wireless communication network. Further, the wired communication may be carried out by any one of the network configurations such as LAN, WAN, etc. and the wireless communication may be carried out through Mobile Service Provider (MSP) and Internet Service Provider (ISP) having internet connection provided by an ISP provider, 2G/3G/4G/5G internet connection provided by the mobile service provider. The standard protocols such as TCP/IP, HTTP, FTP, UDP, IPV4, IPV6 etc., as known in the art, may be used for wireless communication.
[0038] In an embodiment, the at least one user device comprises one or more of a laptop, computer, mobile phones, PDA, smartphones etc.
[0039] Fig. 2 depicts/ illustrates a block diagram of components of submerged sensor unit 108, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;
[0040] The submerged sensor unit 108/1 comprises at least one of: a free chloride sensor 202/1, a PH sensor 204/1, a salinity sensor 206/1, a turbidity sensor 208/1, a Total Dissolved Solids (TDS) sensor 210/1, a water conductivity sensor 212/1 and a water level sensor 214/1.
[0041] Similarly, the submerged sensor unit 108/2 comprises a free chloride sensor 202/2, a PH sensor 204/2, a salinity sensor 206/2, a turbidity sensor 208/2, a Total Dissolved Solids (TDS) sensor 210/2, a water conductivity sensor 212/2 and a water level sensor 214/2.
[0042] The submerged sensor unit 108/1 is configured to record and communicate the first water parameters of the run-down water, wherein the free chloride sensor 202/1 detects the first chloride level, the PH sensor 204/1 measures the first acidity or alkalinity data, the salinity sensor 206/1 detects the first salinity of water, the turbidity sensor 208/1 measures the clarity of water by detecting suspended particles, the Total Dissolved Solids (TDS) sensor 210/1 detects and measures the first Total Dissolver Solids (TDS) data, wherein the Total Dissolver Solids (TDS) data is a measure of water purity, the water conductivity sensor 212/1 detects a water's ability to conduct an electric current related to the first concentration of dissolved ions, and the water level sensor 214/1 detects the first water level in the water reservoir unit 110.
[0043] Similarly, the submerged sensor unit 108/2 is configured to record and communicate the second water parameters of the stored clean water, wherein the second chloride sensor 202/2 detects the second chloride level, the PH sensor 204/2 measures the second acidity or alkalinity data, the salinity sensor 206/2 detects the second salinity of water, the turbidity sensor 208/2 measures the clarity of water by detecting suspended particles, the Total Dissolved Solids (TDS) sensor 210/2 detects and measures the second Total Dissolver Solids (TDS) data, wherein the Total Dissolver Solids (TDS) data is a measure of water purity, the water conductivity sensor 212/2 detects a water's ability to conduct an electric current related to the second concentration of dissolved ions, and the water level sensor 214/2 detects the second water level in the water reservoir unit 110.
[0044] Further, the differences between the first water parameters and second parameters are communicated to the data collection module 102.
[0045] Fig. 3 depicts/ illustrates a block diagram of components of an external sensor unit 112, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0046] The at least one external sensor unit 112 is positioned near the water reservoir unit 110 to record the air parameters, wherein the at least one external sensor unit 112 comprises a weather monitoring sensor 302, a Sulphur (SO2) sensor 304, a hygrometer sensor 306, an ambient temperature sensor 308 and a wind sensor 310.
[0047] The weather monitoring sensor 302 collects the weather data, the Sulphur (SO2) sensor 304 collects the SO2 data, the hygrometer sensor 306 collects relative humidity data from the air, the ambient temperature sensor 308 collects the temperature data, and the wind sensor 310 detects and measures the speed and direction of wind, wherein the wind direction provides the source and rate of contamination, enabling correlation between wind speed and contamination levels.
[0048] Further, the air parameters are recorded and communicated to the data collection module 102.
[0049] Fig. 4 depicts/ illustrates a block diagram of components of a corrosion analytics platform 116, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0050] The corrosion analytics platform 116 comprises a processing unit 402, a corrosion prediction unit 404, a panel staining prediction 406, a centralized dashboard unit 408, an alert unit 410, a database unit 412 and a corrective measurement unit 414.
[0051] The processing unit 402 is configured to receive and process the first water parameters, second water parameters, and the air parameters from the data collection module 102. Further, the processing unit 402 comprises the corrosion prediction unit 404 and the panel staining prediction 406. The corrosion prediction unit 404 predicts the corrosion rates based on the processed data, wherein the corrosion prediction unit 404 analyzes the differentiation of the corrosion rate caused by airborne contamination or contamination based on the processed data. The differentiation of corrosion is generated based on the differences between the concentration data of the first water parameters and the second water parameters.
[0052] Further, the air parameters and the differences between the concentration data of the first water parameters and the second water parameters are processed in accordance with an International Organization for Standardization (ISO) 9223 and ISO 9224 standards to predict corrosion rates of metallic characteristics present on the solar Photo Voltaic (PV) module 104.
[0053] In an embodiment, the panel staining prediction unit 406 receives the total Dissolved solids (TDS) data from the total Dissolved solids (TDS) sensor 210/1, 210/2 to predict potential staining of the surface of at least one solar panel. The alert unit 410 generates the alert notification to the user by determining if the total Dissolved solids (TDS) levels exceed a threshold value of approximately 200 ppm and notify to take corrective measurements via The corrective measurement unit 414, wherein the threshold value is stored at the database unit 412.
[0054] Further, the corrosion prediction unit 404 is periodically monitored by the user. The corrective measurement unit 414 enables the user to take necessary corrective actions by controlling the TDS data and Turbidity data of water to prevent corrosion. The TDS data and Turbidity data is controlled by utilizing at least one of installing a water purifier or changing the source of water.
[0055] In an embodiment, the user utilizes the centralized dashboard unit 408, wherein the centralized dashboard unit 408 displays the corrosion prediction data and predicts the corrective measurements to the user.
[0056] Fig. 5 depicts/ illustrates an exemplary corrosion monitoring system 100 for solar module mounting structure, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0057] The corrosion monitoring system 100 comprises the data collection module 102, communicatively connected to the at least one collector unit 106, that is operably attached near the bottom slope of at least one solar PV module 104. The at least one collector unit 106 collects run-down water from the surface of the solar Photo Voltaic (PV) module 104. Subsequently, the data collection module 102 collects the first water parameters measured by the submerged sensor unit 108/1, wherein the submerged sensor unit 108/1 is comprised in the at least one collector unit 106.
[0058] Further, the data collection module 102 is also communicatively connected to the at least one water reservoir unit 110 attached to the solar PV module 104 for water storage. The data collection module 102 collects the second water parameters measured by the submerged sensor unit 108/2, wherein the submerged sensor unit 108/2 is comprised in the at least one water reservoir unit 110.
[0059] In an embodiment, the data collection module 102 is also communicatively connected to at least one external sensor unit 112 positioned near the water reservoir unit 110. The at least one external sensor unit 112 records the air parameters surrounding the solar PV module 104.
[0060] Subsequently, the data collection module 102 receives the first water parameters, the second water parameters and the air parameters and transmits to the corrosion analytic platform 116. Further, the corrosion analytic platform 116 processes the received first water parameters, the second water parameters and the air parameters to predict the corrosion rate by the corrosion prediction unit 404. The corrosion prediction unit 404 analyzes the differentiation of corrosion caused by airborne contamination or contamination based on processing the first water parameters and the second water parameters wherein the differentiation of corrosion is generated based on the differences between the concentration of water parameters in clean water and in run-down water collected in the at least one collector unit 106.
[0061] Further, the corrosion analytic platform 116 comprises the panel staining prediction unit 408 to determine if the total Dissolved solids (TDS) levels exceed a threshold value of approximately 200 ppm, based on the collected the total Dissolved solids (TDS) data from the total Dissolved solids (TDS) sensor 210/1, 210/2 and predicts the potential staining of the surface of at least one solar panel.
[0062] The corrosion analytic platform 116 processes the collected air parameters, the first water parameters and second water parameters within accordance with an International Organization for Standardization (ISO) 9223 and ISO 9224 standards to predict corrosion rates of metallic characteristics in the solar Photo Voltaic (PV) module 104.
[0063] Further, the corrosion monitoring system 100 periodically monitored by the user, the alert unit 410 notifies the user about the corrosion rates and notify to take corrective measurements by the corrective measurement unit 414. This corrective measurement unit 414 enable the user to take necessary corrective actions by controlling the TDS data and Turbidity data of water to prevent corrosion, wherein the TDS and Turbidity is controlled by utilizing at least one of installing a water purifier or changing the source of water.
[0064] Advantageously, early warning generated by the corrosion monitoring system 100 enables to extend the lifespan of solar PV module.
[0065] Fig. 6 depicts/ illustrates a method for corrosion monitoring system for solar module mounting structure, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0066] The method 600 begins with measuring water parameters of a water reservoir unit by using a submerged sensor unit, as depicted at step 602. Subsequently, the method 600 discloses measuring water parameters of a rundown water sample from a collector unit attached to a solar panel by using a submerged sensor unit, as depicted at step 404. Subsequently, the method 600 discloses measuring external parameters by using an external sensor unit, as depicted at step 606.
[0067] Thereafter, the method 600 discloses receiving the reservoir water parameters, the collector water parameters, and external parameters from a data collection module at a corrosion analytic platform, as depicted at step 608. Subsequently, the method 600 discloses determining a difference in concentration of the received water parameters and air parameters by using the corrosion analytic platform, as depicted at step 610. Thereafter, the method 600 discloses generating and communicating an alert to the user to take corrective measures for the corrosion rates, as depicted at step 612.
[0068] The present invention offers several advantages over existing methods, as explained below.
[0069] Lifespan of PV Modules: It provides early warning to prevent getting corroded thereby increasing the life of solar module mounting structure.
[0070] Maintains Electrical Efficiency: The early warning to take corrective measurement to avoid corrosion enables the PV module to provide stable power output.
[0071] Enhances safety: Detecting corrosion-induced degradation in electrical insulation or enclosures that could lead to short circuits or fire is prevented.
[0072] Reduces Maintenance Costs: Early warning notification minimizes unscheduled downtimes and expensive emergency repairs.
[0073] Online monitoring systems: Automated alerts and maintenance schedules enable remote diagnostics and reduce the need for frequent site visits.
[0074] The applications of the present invention span a diverse range of industries and scenarios, highlighting its versatility and broad utility. The system can be deployed in large-scale solar farms, solar farms with the mounting structures, support frames, and racking systems, industrial area, research and development on corrosion resistant frames, solar PV on schools, hospitals, commercial domestic buildings.
[0075] The foregoing description of the specific embodiments will so fully reveal the general nature of the embodiments herein that others can, by applying current knowledge, readily modify and/or adapt for various applications such specific embodiments without departing from the generic concept, and, therefore, such adaptations and modifications should and are intended to be comprehended within the meaning and range of equivalents of the disclosed embodiments. It is to be understood that the phraseology or terminology employed herein is for the purpose of description and not of limitation. Therefore, while the embodiments herein have been described in terms of preferred embodiments, those skilled in the art will recognize that the embodiments herein can be practiced with modification within the scope of the embodiments as described here.

, Claims:We claim:

1. A corrosion monitoring system (100) for a photo voltaic (PV) module (104), comprising:
at least one collector unit (106) operably attached near a bottom slope of at least one solar Photo Voltaic (PV) module (104) to collect run-down water from a surface of the solar Photo Voltaic (PV) module (104);
a submerged sensor unit (108/1) comprised in the collector unit (106) to record and communicate first water parameters of the run-down water;
at least one water reservoir unit (110) operably attached to the solar Photo Voltaic (PV) module (104) to store water for cleaning the solar Photo Voltaic (PV) module (104);
a submerged sensor unit (108/2) comprised in the water reservoir unit (110) to record and communicate second water parameters of the stored clean water;
at least one external sensor unit (112) positioned near the water reservoir unit (110) to record and communicate air parameters;
a data collection module (102) configured to receive and transmit the first water parameters, second water parameters, and the air parameters to a corrosion analytic platform (116); and
the corrosion analytic platform (116) configured to process the water parameters and the air parameters to monitor corrosion rates of the solar module mounting structure.
2. The corrosion monitoring system (100), as claimed in claim 1, wherein the at least one water reservoir unit (110) is attached to the solar PV module (104) through a connection pipe to transfer stored clean water to the surface of at least one solar panel for cleaning purposes.
3. The corrosion monitoring system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the submerged sensor unit (108/1, 108/2) comprises at least one of:
a free chloride sensor (202/1, 202/2) configured to detect the chloride level,
a PH sensor (204/1, 204/2) configured to measure the acidity or alkalinity,
a salinity sensor (206/1, 206/2) configured to detect the salinity of water,
a turbidity sensor (208/1, 208/2) configured to measure the clarity of water by detecting suspended particles,
a Total Dissolved Solids (TDS) sensor (210/1, 210/2) configured to detect and measure the Total Dissolver Solids (TDS) data, wherein the Total Dissolver Solids (TDS) data is a measure of water purity,
a water conductivity sensor (212/1, 212/2) to detect a water's ability to conduct an electric current related to the concentration of dissolved ions, and
a water level sensor (214/1, 214/2) to detect the water level in the water reservoir unit (110).
4. The corrosion monitoring system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the at least one external sensor unit (112) comprises at least one of:
a weather monitoring sensor (302) to collect weather data,
a Sulphur (SO2) sensor (304) to collect SO2 data,
a hygrometer sensor (306) to collect relative humidity data from the air,
an ambient temperature sensor (308) to collect temperature data from the air; and
a wind sensor (310) detects and measures the speed and direction of wind, wherein the wind direction provides the source and rate of contamination, enabling correlation between wind speed and contamination levels.
5. The corrosion monitoring system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the corrosion analytics platform (116) comprises:
a processing unit (402), configured to process the water parameters and air parameters received from the data collection module (102), wherein the processing unit (402) comprises:
a corrosion prediction unit (404) configured to predict the corrosion rates of the solar Photo Voltaic (PV) module (104) based on the processed water parameters and air parameters; and
a panel staining prediction unit (406) configured to collect the total Dissolved solids (TDS) data from the total Dissolved solids (TDS) sensor (210/1, 210/2) to predict potential staining of the surface of at least one solar panel by determining if the total Dissolved solids (TDS) levels exceed a threshold value of approximately 200 ppm, wherein the threshold value is stored at a database unit (412) of the corrosion analytics platform (116);
a centralized dashboard unit (408) utilized by a user, wherein the centralized dashboard unit (404) displays the corrosion prediction data and;
an alert unit (410) configured to generate an alert notification to the user, wherein the alerts notification is generated when corrosion rates exceed predetermined threshold values; and
a corrective measurement unit (414) configured to enable the user to take corrective actions by controlling the TDS data and Turbidity data of water to prevent corrosion, wherein the TDS and Turbidity is controlled by utilizing at least one of installing a water purifier or changing the source of water.
6. The corrosion monitoring system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the corrosion prediction unit (404) is configured to analyze differentiation of corrosion caused by airborne contamination or contamination from the water reservoir unit (110), wherein the differentiation of corrosion is generated based on the differences between the concentration of water parameters in clean water and in run-down water collected in the collector unit (106).
7. The corrosion monitoring system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the collected air and water parameters are transmitted to the corrosion analytics platform (116) and processed within accordance with an International Organization for Standardization (ISO) 9223 and ISO 9224 standards to predict corrosion rates of metallic characteristics in the solar Photo Voltaic (PV) module (104).
8. A method (600) for corrosion monitoring system (100) for solar module mounting structure, comprising:
collecting run-down water from a surface of the solar Photo Voltaic (PV) module (104), by using a collector unit (106);
recording and communicating first water parameters of the run-down water by using a submerged sensor unit (108/1) comprised in the collector unit (106);
storing water for cleaning the solar Photo Voltaic (PV) module (104) by using at least one water reservoir unit (110);
recording and communicating second water parameters of the stored clean water by using a submerged sensor unit (108/2) comprised in the water reservoir unit (110);
recording and communicating air parameters by using at least one external sensor unit (112) positioned near the water reservoir unit (110);
receiving and transmitting the first water parameters, second water parameters, and the air parameters to a corrosion analytic platform (116) by using a data collection unit (102); and
processing the water parameters and the air parameters to monitor corrosion rates of the solar module mounting structure by using the corrosion analytic platform (116).
9. The method (600) as claimed in claim 8, comprising transferring the stored clean water to the surface of at least one solar panel for cleaning purpose by attaching the water reservoir unit (110) to the solar PV module (104) through a connection pipe.
10. The method (600) as claimed in claim 8, wherein recording water parameters comprises at least one of:
detecting the chloride level in water by using a free chloride sensor (202/1, 202/2),
measuring the acidity or alkalinity of water by using a PH sensor (204/1, 204/2),
detecting the salinity of water by using a salinity sensor (206/1, 206/2),
measuring the clarity of water by detecting suspended particles by using a turbidity sensor (208/1, 208/2),
detecting and measuring the Total Dissolver Solids (TDS) in water by using a Total Dissolved Solids (TDS) sensor (210/1, 210/2),
measuring water electrical conductivity (212/1, 212/2) to determine the concentration of dissolved ions by using a water conductivity sensor, and
detecting the water level in the water reservoir unit (110) by using a water level sensor (214/1, 214/2).
11. The method (600) as claimed in claim 8, wherein recording air parameters comprises at least one of:
collecting weather data by using a weather monitoring sensor (302),
collecting SO2 data from air by using a Sulphur (SO2) sensor (304),
collecting relative humidity of air by using a hygrometer sensor (306),
collecting temperature data from air by using an ambient temperature sensor (308); and
measuring the speed and direction of wind, providing the contamination source and the rate of contamination, enabling correlation between wind speed and contamination levels by using a wind sensor (310).
12. The method (600) as claimed in claim 8, wherein monitoring corrosion rates of the solar module mounting structure comprises:
processing the water parameters and air parameters received from the data collection module (102) by using processing unit (402);
predicting the corrosion rates of the solar Photo Voltaic (PV) module (104) based on the processed water parameters and air parameters by using a corrosion prediction unit (404);
collecting the total Dissolved solids (TDS) data from the total Dissolved solids (TDS) sensor (210/1, 210/2) to predict potential staining of the surface of at least one solar panel by determining if the total Dissolved solids (TDS) levels exceed a threshold value of approximately 200 ppm by using a panel staining prediction unit (406);
displays the corrosion prediction data to the user by using a centralized dashboard (404), and
generating an alert notification, notifying the corrosion rates exceeding the predetermined threshold values, by using an alert unit (410); and
providing corrective actions to the user by controlling the TDS data and Turbidity data of water to prevent corrosion by utilizing at least one of installing a water purifier or changing the source of water.
13. The method (600) as claimed in claim 12, wherein predicting potential staining of the surface of at least one solar panel comprises:
generating the differentiation of the corrosion based on the concentration of water in the at least one water reservoir (110) and in the at least one collect unit (106); and
analyzing the corrosion caused by airborne contamination or contamination from the at least one water reservoir unit (110).
14. The method (600) as claimed in claim 10, comprising:
transmitting the collected air parameters and water parameters to the corrosion analytics platform (116); and
processing the air parameters and water parameters to predict the corrosion rates of metallic characteristics in the solar PV module (104) based on an International Organization for Standardization (ISO) 9223 and ISO 9224 standards.

Date: 12th August, 2025
Signature:

Name of signatory: Nishant Kewalramani
(Patent Agent)
IN/PA number: 1420