Experimental study of dust deposition influences on building integrated photovoltaic array

This experimental study investigates the significant impact of airborne dust deposition on the efficiency of building-integrated photovoltaic (BIPV) arrays. By examining factors influencing dust accumulation and its subsequent effects on photovoltaic (PV) performance, the research aims to optimize BIPV array configurations for improved long-term efficiency. The experiment utilized a controlled setup consisting of a 3-row by 2-column BIPV array subjected to varying wind velocities (0.13m/s to 0.65m/s) and inter-module spacing to simulate realistic dust deposition behaviors. The findings demonstrate a direct correlation between increased wind velocity and the amount of dust settling on PV panels, with higher velocities resulting in more substantial dust accumulation, particularly on front-row panels due to gravitational effects on larger dust particles. This increased dust deposition leads to a notable reduction in PV power output, with the most significant losses observed in the front row, diminishing towards the rear. Additionally, the study highlights the critical role of module spacing; at a constant wind velocity of 0.13m/s, greater spacing between rows resulted in varying degrees of dust accumulation and corresponding power loss. The experimental design included a dust deposition simulation platform, enabling precise control over environmental variables such as wind speed. The research underscores the necessity for optimized module placement to mitigate dust-related efficiency losses, ultimately improving the long-term performance and reliability of BIPV arrays.