Researchers from Ningxia University in China have conducted wind tunnel experiments to analyze dust accumulation patterns on photovoltaic (PV) panels. Using a 21-meter wind tunnel, the study examined how variables such as tilt angle, mounting height, panel spacing, and wind direction affect dust deposition and particle distribution.
📌 Key Findings:
When the spacing between panels exceeds twice their mounting height, the mutual effect of dust accumulation becomes negligible.
Tilt angle significantly impacts dust accumulation, with the highest levels observed between 30° and 35°.
Compared to panels with 0° tilt, dust accumulation increased by 50% on the second panel, 200% on the third, and 275% on the fourth.
For mounting height, panels were tested at 10 cm, 20 cm, 30 cm, and 40 cm. The study confirmed that wider panel spacing reduces dust accumulation effects.
These insights provide practical recommendations for optimizing PV installations in dust-prone environments, enhancing long-term efficiency. The full research findings are published in Scientific Reports under the title: “Dust deposition characteristics on photovoltaic arrays investigated through wind tunnel experiments.”