Analysis of particle size distribution of residual dust in cleaning process using an electrodynamic screen

Abstract

Dust accumulation on the optical surfaces of solar collectors causes significant losses in their energy yield. Fine dust particles, compared to coarse ones, contribute significantly more in the performance loss, assuming identical dust concentration density. This study examines the performance of different electrodynamic screen (EDS) prototypes, operated in different conditions, in removing fine dust particles in the laboratory environment. After going through several cycles of dust deposition and cleaning using EDS, the dust residue left on each EDS prototype is collected and analyzed using a Horiba particle size distribution analyzer. The particle size distribution (PSD) analyses determine which EDS design has performed superior in removing a given size range and in which operational condition. The results are advantageous in the optimization procedure of EDS to attain maximum dust removal efficiency and minimum optical interference.