Mean flow through utility scale solar facilities and preliminary insights on dust impacts

Abstract

Deposition of dust on solar collectors has the potential to be a costly part of utility-scale solar energy production operation and maintenance. Large facilities are frequently located in arid regions with dusty soils. The orientation of solar fields with respect to the wind may affect how vulnerable or protected the soil surface is from the erosive power of the wind. Field measurements of wind flow through a utility-scale solar photovoltaic facility are presented. Multiple measurements of wind speed by spinning cup anemometer and wind direction by rotating vane were collected between consecutive rows of panels at two heights above the ground. This dataset provides preliminary insight into the mean flow field for a nominally two-dimensional solar array. A better understanding of non-steady flow components, turbulence, and conditions for the initiation of sand transport is needed for accurate prediction of dust impacts of such facilities.