Numerical simulation of dust deposition on photovoltaic module surface based on multifactor fusion deposition mechanism

Dust deposition on the surface of photovoltaic (PV) modules will reduce power generation efficiency and field service life. Existing research has deficiencies in terms of the adaptation of influencing factors and deposition types, deposition mechanism, numerical model of dust deposition process and time scale of dust deposition problem research. To address these deficiencies, first, this study applies the association diagram method to systematically identify the relevant factors of dust deposition, establishes an adaptive relationship between influencing factors and dust deposition types, improves the existing deposition mechanism, and proposes dust deposition criteria. Then, a three-dimensional numerical simulation model describing the dust deposition process considering the effect of rainfall was established by applying Fluent and User Defined Memory. Finally, the model was applied to a PV power station in Wuhan, mainland China, to quantitatively analyze the effect of dust deposition on power generation of PV module in units of days. The standard deviation of the relative error in power generation was reduced by 39.5 % compared to other methods, which verifies the correctness and validity of the proposed model. The relevant findings provide solid technical support for formulating cleaning strategies for PV power stations. They also promote the sustainable development of PV energy utilization and lay an important foundation for realizing a clean and low-carbon energy system.