Numerical Simulation of Dust Deposition on the Surface of Photovoltaic Panels Based on the Spalart–Allmares Turbulence Model

This research focuses on conducting computer simulations of aerodynamic processes to study the behavior of airflow and dust deposition near a solar photovoltaic panel installed on a horizontal ground surface using COMSOL Multiphysics software. The Spalart–Allmaras (SA) turbulence model was used to simulate the air flow, and a Lagrangian approach was used to model particle motion. This paper analyzes the influence of wind speed and dust particle size on the level of dust deposition on the surface of a photovoltaic panel, with wind attack angles from 0° to 180° and wind speeds from 2 to 12 m/s. The results show that changing the wind attack angle affects the dust deposition rate, and increasing the wind speed reduces this rate. At wind speeds above 2 m/s (at any angle of attack), an increase in dust particle diameter or material density increases the dust deposition rate. The maximum dust deposition rate of 15.8% is observed at a wind attack angle of 0° with a wind speed of 2 m/s for a particle diameter of 200 µm. The results of the numerical simulation of dust deposition near and on the surface of PV panels can be used to more accurately predict performance losses under actual operating conditions of existing or planned PV systems in regions with high airborne dust levels, which allows optimizing panel cleaning schedules. This is especially important for regions with a high frequency of dust storms, where dust accumulation significantly reduces the efficiency of solar panels. Predicting dust accumulation and the corresponding drop in output power helps to plan maintenance in a timely manner and minimize generation losses, thereby reducing operating costs and extending equipment service life. Preventing a significant efficiency drop due to dust deposition contributes to more sustainable development of solar energy, reducing the need for additional capacity and minimizing the environmental footprint of producing and installing additional panels.