Turbulent airflow dust particle removal from solar panel surface: Analysis and experiment

Dust particles deposited on a solar photovoltaic (PV) panel surface may influence its performance depending on the particle composition, size and origin. In this context, the mechanics of fine particle adhesion on solar panel surface was analyzed and the simulation and experiment on dust removal from solar panel surface by turbulent airflow were conducted. Firstly, a particle adhesion model on the solar panel surface in dry and we conditions and a particle detachment model in turbulent flows were established. The critical shear velocity of airflow to remove the particles was calculated based on Monte Carlo method. Then, a multi-stage expansion nozzle was designed which had multiple expansion cavities in series. The flow field inside the nozzle was simulated in FLUENT to obtain the outlet airflow velocity. Finally, the dust removal system for solar panel was validated experimentally, and its feasibility was demonstrated.