The influence of solar PV panels on CO dispersion in ideal 2D street canyons

Solar photovoltaic(PV) panels are installed on building roofs for power generation in many Chinese cities. However, their impact on flow field and pollutant dispersion remains unclear. Three representative installation angles were choosed to investigates the influence of PV panel on airflow and carbon monoxide (CO) dispersion within idealized 2D urban street canyon models under the parallel approaching wind to the streets. The research indicates that PV panels promote the formation of flow patterns that facilitating the transport of pollutants out of the street canyon and increase the wind velocity at pedestrian level height in street canyon. The mean pollutant concentration decreased in three models with PV panels compared to the base model and the maximum reduction amplitude has reached 21.7%. The effect of solar panel is influenced by the its installation angle and weaken with increase of the installation angle. The study results are helpful for the prevention and control of pollutants in street canyon and urban planning.