Investigation of particle deposition and power efficiency reduction of dust-laden wind flow over photovoltaic modules considering particle resuspension behaviors

Abstract

Solar energy, as a key renewable resource, has been widely adopted worldwide in recent years. However, dust particle deposition on photovoltaic (PV) modules can reduce power generation efficiency, particularly in dust-prone regions. To better understand the behavior of particle deposition and resuspension, this study develops a coupled computational fluid dynamics–discrete element method (CFD-DEM) multiphysics model. The model considers the deposition and resuspension of particles. The model can capture particle dynamics, including collision, rolling, sliding, rebound, and resuspension. The study investigate the effects of wind speed $U_{\mathrm{Hp}}$, particle diameter $d_p$, and module tilt angle θ on resuspension rates and their consequent impact on PV performance. The results indicated that the PV module’s θ significantly influenced the particles resuspension behavior. At θ = 140°, $d_p$ =200 μm and $U_{\mathrm{Hp}}$ = 5.2 m/s, the resuspension rate ${\eta }_{\mathrm{resusp}}$ peaked at 99.7 %, significantly higher than at other angles. Moreover, 100 μm-300 μm particles showed higher susceptibility to resuspension, especially under higher airflow velocities. Finally, an empirical formula was employed to predict the effect of particle resuspension on PV power generation efficiency, with the performance loss ratio (PLR) used to quantify the reduction in efficiency loss due to resuspension. At θ = 140°, $d_p$=100 μm and $U_{\mathrm{Hp}}$ = 5.2 m/s, the PLR reached a maximum of 99.6 %, indicating the most effective cleaning effect from resuspension in this case.