Numerical Simulation of Dust Deposition Influences on Building Integrated Photovoltaic Array

Abstract

Airborne dust deposition on building-integrated photovoltaic (BIPV) modules can significantly reduce the Photovoltaic (PV) efficiency. This study aims to investigate the characteristics of dust deposition and its impact on building-integrated photovoltaic array. A validated numerical simulation with a shear stress transfer k-ω turbulence model and a discrete particle model were employed to this study. By systematically manipulating wind velocity and spacing between BIPV modules, the dust deposition rate on the BIPV modules and its concurrent effect on power generation were quantified. The results showed the accumulation of dust on the front row panels exceeded that on the rear row. Notably, higher wind velocity were found to correspond with diminished photovoltaic power. The dust deposition rate peaked at 7.17% for 200 μm particles, then dropped to a minimum of 0.82% for 600 μm particles. Dust deposition on solar panels follows a common trend across roof inclination angles, with the highest rates at 16.7° (1.39%), 22.6° (2.54%), 36.9° (3.74%), and 45° (4.58%). Increased spacing between buildings leads to a higher deposition on the front row due to gravitational force. Overall, this study thoroughly examined how dust size, wind velocity, spacing between buildings and the roof inclination of buildings affect dust deposition behaviors.

Keywords: Dust deposition, BIPV, Photovoltaic array, Photovoltaic Efficiency, Numerical simulation